Front driveshaft CV joint & boot

[Fred Garvin]

How does one know when the CV joint on the front driveshaft of a 98 Sport is going bad?

Mine was feeling rougher when driving (only when driving) and also noticably squeaked when I hit a decent sized bump or railroad crossing. I looked under and notice the CV boot had a rip in it so I squirted some white lube in it just to see if it helped. It seemed to. (I replaced my driveshaft u-joints with greasable ones and grease them regularly)

Should I replace the CV joint or just the boot? Is my white lube a good fix or just a temporary solution? How difficult is it to replace the CV? Any other ideas on what to do to check whether the CV is good or bad? Other ideas on what's causing the squeak?

 

[transmissionguy]

I have never done it on an explorer but i Have replaced plenty of boots on front wheel dirve cars like chrysler caravans and neons, if you can get the axle out easily the job is easy . they make universal replacement boots check carquest they also make a retaining strap to hold them on. its easier to put the retainer strap on with the strap tool its a couple bucks all from carquest. Hope this helps you !