Bad front axle 2000 GP GT?

[aliasmax]

Hi all, new to the site. I have a 2000 Grand Prix GT with 51,000 miles. Bought it new gave it to wife who does not drive it much. She took the car in to the dealer for an oil change. They told her the lower control arm bushings where shot and that her front tires where going to fall off. I took the drivers side control arm off and bushings are in great shape but i found a pile of grease on the control arm rear bushing. The inside boot on the axle looks to be intact, (no openings). Is the boot filled with grease? If the boot is bad do you have to replace the whole axle or just the boot? If i pull the axle will fluid run all over the place? Two more questions, how long do the front struts last? Should i replace them as long as the car is apart? TIA.

[richtazz]

I would not bother with replacing the boot. You can buy a reman axle shaft for around $60-$80 compared to $20-$25 for just a boot kit. If the boot has been torn for a while, there is a good chance that dirt and water has gotten in the joint and caused damage. Also, there is a lot more labor involved in just changing a boot. After removing the axle shaft, you have to disassemble it, clean it, install the boot on the shaft, reassemble the joint, then grease it, then clamp the other end of the boot to to the joint, then reinstall the axle in the car. With a reman shaft, you remove the old shaft, install new shaft, and you're done.

[aliasmax]

Originally Posted by richtazz

I would not bother with replacing the boot. You can buy a reman axle shaft for around $60-$80 compared to $20-$25 for just a boot kit. If the boot has been torn for a while, there is a good chance that dirt and water has gotten in the joint and caused damage. Also, there is a lot more labor involved in just changing a boot. After removing the axle shaft, you have to disassemble it, clean it, install the boot on the shaft, reassemble the joint, then grease it, then clamp the other end of the boot to to the joint, then reinstall the axle in the car. With a reman shaft, you remove the old shaft, install new shaft, and you're done.

thank you for the prompt reply, but another question. i found a power line axle and cardone axle reasonably priced from an auto parts store. i have searched the site but have not found a preferance for any axle. anyone recomend one. thanks

[richtazz]

I've sold Cardone before at a place I used to work, I believe they still have a lifetime warranty, and we had good luck with them. I've never sold Power-Line, so I don't know about them.

[aliasmax]

Thank you for the reply. Thats the axle i will get then.

[aliasmax]

Now that i know which axle to buy can some one give me some info on how to change it? I have the lower control arm off already. If i take the tie rod end off, will the knuckel and hub slide off the shaft or do i need a puller to take it apart? thanks.