Outer CV Boot

[Mjaga251]

OK, I've been having slight troubles for a few months, but have found nothing until now. The symptoms are common on the forum, but none of them have been exact that I could find. Anyway, here are the symptoms:

Intermittent knocking in the front suspension, seems like it's from the drivers side more as I can feel it in the steering wheel, but it's not in the steering wheel itself. I always though this could be the bearings, but havn't had time to look into it further.

Today, I had the front wheels off and noticed that on the driver's side, the outer(I'm assuming) CV Boot has a crack, and there is grease all over. It looks like its been like this for awhile. I know this isn't good, and from what Ive read in Haynes and Chiltons this boot is not serviceable? Since it is "permanently retained to the driveaxle"? Is this right? If so, how much do you think it would cost to get it replaced?...Or, is it something I could do myself?


Also, is there any chance at all that the symptoms above could be caused by this?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[Mjaga251]

Ok, can I just buy the replacement from NAPA? And do I need to removed the actual joint to replace the boot? Or is it easier than this?

 

[Mjaga251]

bump.

Anyone, PLEASE!?

 

[techieman33]

You have to replace the axle, here is a good how to thread.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964&highlight=cv+axle+replacement

 

[green99_svt]

you do not have to replace the complete axle unless the joint has failed. you can buy the boot only from napa/ car quest. i just replaced my lf outer boot last week.

you need to remove the axle completly from the truck and set it on the bench. its a messy job but can save a few hundred dollars wheb compared to buying the whole shaft.

 

[CDW6212R]

Those front axles are about $90 at parts stores, $60 for the cheapest. If the boot leaks out grease, the joint will become damaged very quickly. If you do not know when the boot damage happened, replace the axle. Good luck,

 

[Mjaga251]

Ok thanks so much. Ive got a guy that's gonna replace the boot for free so I can watch how its done...never seen it done before...and then if that and a little extra grease doesnt stop the knocking im going to guess I'll need the new axle. Thanks for the thread, I searched but didn't come up with that one for some reason!

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[CDW6212R]

That noise likely is the CV joint, inspect the rest, ball joints etc. If you don't find something else serious, that axle is definitely toast. Good luck,