kltrm25

Dealer says my CV boot needs replaced. Is this something I can do myself. I have no experience doing one. I am mechanically inclined I just dont have a garage close hence I let the dealer change the oil/works package inspection.
They said $360 and it's $42 part.

Any input?

Neggy

I doubt very much that you even own the socket to loosen the axle nut, forget the rest of it.

If I were looking at replacing a boot, I'd be wondering if is would be a better use of the labor cost to replace the shaft with a re-man unit.

How many miles on it?

Are they replacing both boots?

A new CV shaft from NAPA is 140 bucks list, reman axles are 53 bucks, my cost.
From Ford, bend over 455 list, 250 from Tasca, plus shipping.
Time to find a good local mechanic who isn't going to rape you on parts

the book time to do one side is 1.3 hours, plus an alignment check, which is .8 hours

In other words I could put a whole new axle in there for less than they are going to charge you for a boot.



How long was the joint open to the elements? How much grease was lost? Did it go off road/in water while the joint was exposed?

nickpatton_189

iTrader: (2)

Not too hard I did both of mine on a Silverado. First time doing it also.

A7X

Just replace the whole shaft, like said above, you can probably find a reman one for around $60 and save some time and possible aggravation...

Not a bad job to do... That's a 36mm socket right? Really the only out of the ordinary tool to do this, Idk I have the right one out in the barn, bought it just because of that particular nut

kltrm25

It's just to replace the driver side. Unsure how long it's been open. Less than 5000 miles bc they woulda Mentioned it at the last oil change. And less than that bc it had an alignment, new front suspension and new tires since then. Someone should have noticed it.

Sounds like the best bet is to replace the axel.

kenpo1441

If you don't own the right socket just go to autozone and get one and then take it back when you are done. They have that rent a tool program, but if you are planning on keeping the truck for a while you might want to hang onto it.

A7X

^ yup, just like borrowing tools from a friend that's kind've a jerk... Pay $x.¢¢ as collateral and you get the full amount back when you bring the tool back

Neggy

It is entirely possible it was damaged putting the new suspension parts in

BTW do you have a torque wrench to retorque the axle nut?

Is the axle nut single use?

Are you prepared to get the axle shaft out of the hub if it is seized without damaging the threads?

A7X

Eh, I have a hard time clicking a torque wrench at 221 ft lbs lol... Not really but yeah those things go on tight!

Nut is reusable...

A two pound sledge and a drift pin in the dimple will knock it loose

JP2085

You guys talking about the wheel end nut that holds the halfshaft into the hub? If so, it's nowhere near a 36 mm. It's more like 14 mm IIRC and only requires 20 lb-ft. #2 in the first pic.