I was changing my caster Camber bolts last night and noticed my drivers side cv shaft upper boot has a big open hole in it from dry rot and cracking. Is there a way to replace these boots without pulling the whole shaft because it looks like you would have to? And if your pulling the shaft then it makes more sense to replace the whole shaft since it's $70 and new boots would be $40

 

Replace the shaft. You have to pull it to put on the boot, and you don't know the condition of the socket after all the openness to the mud and dirt. Just play it safe and replace it as an assembly, not just the boot.

 

I second that.

 

And make sure you get a reman, not a new one.

 

Personally, I'd go to a local shop and have it rebuilt. I've been through a bunch of "Duralast Gold" CV axles on my Escape, and the boots they use are pure junk. Finally had the original CV rebuilt and new boots put on, and it's lasted 3 years. I was only getting a year out of the POS Duralast axles. They rebuilt mine for under 100 dollars.... seems like 80 dollars, IIRC.

 

Get a Cardone shaft. You can get either the standard boot or a heavy duty boot. I personally won't use a duralast or OReilly shaft. I don't like changing them out like White said, every year. The DL or OR boots suck azz.

 

I agree with you guys. This shaft was replaced 5 years ago! So I guess I have better luck with the boots then you guys! I think the shaft is under warranty

 

I used to swear by cardone's cvs but they started sending out ones made by interpart in cardone boxes. I sent it back and they sent another made by interpart, I needed my 4x4 so I figured I would give it a shot. It has popped when going from forward and reverse since new and knocks when Im on a bumpy road. It hasnt failed yet but all that noise cant be a good thing.

 

Well I just talked to the shop that put one in for me five years ago and it's got a lifetime warranty and they are going to change it for $90 so I'm not gonna complain

 

That is pretty hard to beat. Lol