cv boot replacement

[Wret]

I've replaced mine before with split boots but it wasn't easy. Since then I've changed axles several times and come to the opinion that it's better to replace the whole axle. I've also don't freak out if I see a split. I just replaced one that had had a split boot for months with no ill effects.

[bobaachaar]

Originally Posted by Wret

I've replaced mine before with split boots but it wasn't easy. Since then I've changed axles several times and come to the opinion that it's better to replace the whole axle. I've also don't freak out if I see a split. I just replaced one that had had a split boot for months with no ill effects.

i’m sure it could be fine, but it could also get dirt and crap in the joint because of the split. that makes it an extra 350 bucks and a rebuilt joint. i think better to just replace the boots while i caught them early.

i’ll post some pictures of the job.

[pilot4fn]

If you take the axles out (not a difficult to do), it is very easy to clean old grease out from axle joints, put new grease in and also all 4 new boots. Just did this on the 5-speed tranny 2001 Boxster.

[bobaachaar]

Originally Posted by pilot4fn

If you take the axles out (not a difficult to do), it is very easy to clean old grease out from axle joints, put new grease in and also all 4 new boots. Just did this on the 5-speed tranny 2001 Boxster.

i’m in the middle of taking the axles out right now. i’ve managed to get the axle pounded out of the hub, but i can’t drop the exhaust because one of the bolts on the flange is rusted and rounded. what should i do?

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by Wret

I've replaced mine before with split boots but it wasn't easy. Since then I've changed axles several times and come to the opinion that it's better to replace the whole axle. I've also don't freak out if I see a split. I just replaced one that had had a split boot for months with no ill effects.

Who made the axles you put in? The Porsche ones are ridiculously pricey, and I've heard some of the others are pretty hit or miss as far as quality.

The axles are (I'm pretty sure—bought the car second hand with 19K miles on it) the originals. The joints were just cleaned up and repacked (admittedly kind of a messy job) and they're still going strong. If the Porsche ones were even somewhat more reasonably priced I'd totally agree with you.

[bobaachaar]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Who made the axles you put in? The Porsche ones are ridiculously pricey, and I've heard some of the others are pretty hit or miss as far as quality.

The axles are (I'm pretty sure—bought the car second hand with 19K miles on it) the originals. The joints were just cleaned up and repacked (admittedly kind of a messy job) and they're still going strong. If the Porsche ones were even somewhat more reasonably priced I'd totally agree with you.

I looked at replacing the whole axle but it would have been nearly $1500 for both axles. instead, i bought about $200 worth of parts, and about $800 worth of tools to replace just the boots.

side note, pelican parts sells a kit, but the kit isn't actually a kit. it's a bunch of different parts that are grouped together, and one of the cv boots that they sell made by GKN comes with clamps and grease. this is all to say that i bought the kit and ended up with about $50 worth of grease and clamps that i didn't need because they didn't specify that the parts in the "kit" came with the grease and clamps.