3 Torn Boots

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Did an Oil change yesterday and found 3 of the 4 CV boots are torn. I can get the boots with clamps and grease packs from Napa for about $25 each. What other jobs should be done "while I'm in there"? 2000 S manual 6 speed with 85,000 miles. Engine oil and Trans oil change regularly.

[BYprodriver]

Might be able to get them cheaper at the dealer or anywhere for that matter. Empco is a good brand of boot.

[thstone]

Be sure to check the CV joints themselves. Torn boots usually mean that water/dirt got inside and depending on how long and how bad, the CV joints might be nearly dry or operating in grease that has a sand/dirt embedded in it.

[Jamesp]

I personally just replace the axle with a rebuilt if the boots are torn because the rebuilts are such a good value. If I were to decide to replace a torn boot, I'd assess the bearing. If the lube was essentailly gone, or of there was dirt in there, I'd change tha axle as the bearing life is limited at this point, and replacement boots could be throwing good money after bad, not to mention labor. If it's still greased and clean, I'd remove all the old grease with a solvent (spray carb or brake works great) and use new grease. I'd also do all four boots.