97 Max Front Right Boot...

[gregory1041]

I was checking the breaks when I noticed some grease in the wheel well. And come to find out, my axle boot has a crack in it. Judging by the picture, just wondered if others have had this happen, and if just a boot replacement would work. There hasn’t been any noise from the wheel when driving.

[Nahkapohjola]

If more than 100miles on that, I'd also swap axle/joint. If u just replace boot then u risk returning into the axle job 1k later. (thats not too big risk)

See link below for boot swap.

[gregory1041]

Thanks for the info. I think what I'll end up doing is waiting until I can find a good deal on an axle and just replace it. If you or anyone else has any links to parts places where you can find a new axle, I would much appreciate it. napaonline.com had the axle for $139 new...
I also talked to a to a mechanic, and he said that anytime you get a hole or crack in a boot, you risk sand or dirt getting in, and it doesn't take much for the axle to take a turn for the worse. Basically saying that replacing only the boot may extend the life of the axle, but at the same time delaying the inevitable. Besides, the car just turned 100k

[Nahkapohjola]

Note that ppl tellin their experiences say that there are 5 axle types sold for maxima, only one fits fully. One locks shafts, one drops out after 1k miles etc nasty... just make sure your new is exactly the same, typically std car mechanics cannot differentiate.

[maxl1961]

I got one from local PepBoys $69.99 + tax with the core.(driver side). As Nahkapohjola mentioned, there are serval types of axle for Maxima(ABS/differential ..??). The best way is to remove the old one and bring it to the store. You need: 34mm/21mm/19mm/17mm/14mm/12mm wrench to remove the axle. A long 1/2" bar is needed to remove the wheel nut. (200ftlbs)