cv joint boot

[taylerb63]

on my 90 camry the smaller boot which is located closets to the wheel has been ripped......if i dont get this repaired what will happen?......can u just get the boot repaired or the entire cv joint......what problems will i have and how quickly should i get it fixed.

[idmetro]

Welcome to the forum. You should get this fixed IMMEDIATELY! If you don't you will get dirt and grit into the joint which will proceed to grind the cv joint apart in a relatively short period of time. You will know it's life is over when it starts clicking or popping as you drive. Depending on whether you do the work or have it done it may be just about a tie (cost wise) to have the entire half shaft replaced as it would be to get the boot repaired.

[vicchang]

This is my criteria (I always do the job myself)

1. If the drive shaft is original (Toyota parts), and you don't hear clicking noise when you turn, which means the cv joint is still good, then just replace the boot immediately.

2. If it's a reman one (been replaced before), let it run until you hear clicking sound then replace the whole drive shaft.


To replace the boot only is a lengthy job, besides to take the driveshaft off and put it back on, you need to do some extral works which can easily take up another 2-3 hours.

1. take the damaged boot off -- easy
2. separate the CV joint from the shaft -- difficult if you are not a strong guy or without proper equipments
3. clean up the CV joint thoroughly -- time consuming
4. install a new boot on the shaft -- easy
5. install the CV joint back onto the shaft -- easy
6. pack the CV joint with grease -- easy
7. seal the CV joint boot with clamps -- could be a challenge

Not a fun job. But if the shaft is still the original one, then it worth keeping. Since the OEM ones has much higher quality then reman ones.

[Brian R.]

I have had very good luck with rebuilt half-shafts. Most of the reman shafts are returned OEM shafts and just as good.

IMO, replace the whole half-shaft instead of reusing one that may be of questionable quality from contamination while the boot was split. All it takes is a little sand in the boot to make it a bad joint. After it is damaged by sand or dirt, no amount of grease will make up for the rough bearing surfaces.

I think you are taking a chance by not replacing the whole unit. Considering the small difference in cost, not a good gamble unless you caught it immediately.

Read the related post in the FAQ thread.

[taylerb63]

what is a good price for getting the cv joint repaired

[Brian R.]

It depends on where you live and who you have do the work. In Maryland near WashDC, I would charge you $160 for parts (rebuilt) and $100 labor for one side. A Dealer would be approximately twice as expensive - mostly because of the difference in part price and some increase in labor. You can get a better price damn near anywhere outside this area. Everything is expensive here.

[Mike Gerber]

The last time I checked at a local Pep Boys they were $180 per side for putting in a rebuilt axle. That was for parts and labor. That was a couple of years ago.

Mike

[Brian R.]

That's a good price

[eldiablo1100]

at the shop i work at, if you have a cracked boot, we won't replace the boot for you. we will recommend you change the whole axle. it takes about the same amount of time (maybe even less) to replace the whole axle then to replace just the boot. plus, it's a whole lot better

[RIP]

You've probably already fixed your problem but for anyone else, if the joint is not clicking during a turn, consider installing a split boot. No need to remove the half shaft and you can get them for less then $10. Just make sure you thoroughly clean and regrease the joint. I've used three of them and all are still doing the job after several years.

[taylerb63]

i saw that i can get a speddi-boot package from autozone...on another site for acura integras the guy did not have to remove anything but the boot, is it the same for toyotas....it looks pretty easy to do, maybe???

[RIP]

You can get split boots at just about any auto parts store. I'm not going to say it's easy to install but, they are a lot easier (and cheaper) than removing and installing a half shaft (axl). I've done both. The key is to thoroughly clean all the grease and dirt out of the cv joint and thoroughly repack the joint with grease. This is necessary to insure any dirt and grime that may have gotten in the joint through a tear in the boot is removed. Dirt will eventually destroy the joint.

>Set the brake, block the rear wheels and put the front up on jackstands
>Remove the wheel
>Loosen the bands that hold the old boot on and cut the boot off
>Scoop whatever grease you can out of the joint
>Spray engine degreaser throughout the joint until all the grease is gone
>When you think it's gone spray it again
>Spray the joint with brake cleaner to get any degreaser residue out
>Blow the joint out with compressed air to get any remaining residue out. You can use cans of compressed air if need be.
>Using a big popsickle stick or simular press as much cv joint grease into the joint as you can. Take your time doing this. It's the most important step. If you think it's full of grease keep pressing it in a few more minutes. It's got to get in all the crevises you can't see.
>Spread grease around the axle where the boot will go
>Now install the boot following the directions to the letter.

There are two types of boots. One uses glue to seal the seam and hold the halves together. Another uses small screws and nuts. If I had to pick I think the glued seam works better. Both will work. The only reason I would pick the glue type is the first split boot I installed was a glued boot. It's been on the car over 5 years (87 Camry) and is still in good shape. The others, both on the same car, were screw type boots and they've been on the car only 3 years (94 Camry). They can both be a little tricky to install. Just take your time. New clamps to secure the boot on both ends should come with the boot.

Remember, if you hear a clicking noise when turning, you have no choice but to replace the joint and/or axl. To make dam sure find an empty parking lot, roll the windows down and make some left and right turns. The noise indicates the joint is damaged beyond repair. If there's no clicking, a split boot is another option. Cheers!

[taylerb63]

thanks man you saved me alot of money

[RIP]

It's just one of those little gems of a shortcut that works if done correctly. Thanks for reposting. Cheers!

[Mango™]

I have a question, I only hear noice when I back up, nothing when I turn on backwards, any suggestions?

Thanks and good post