Replacing CV Axle

Peediz, do you know what caused the hole in the boot? I just discovered my driver side outer boot has a hole in the top of one of the pleats. Looks like something was rubbing on it and wore through, but its only about an inch long instead of all the way around as would be expected. I have never been off road so I can't guess how this happened. I'd hate to replace (and I am i your position, new axle or just replace the boot?) and have the same thing happen again.

The ads I have seen for half shafts often say "left or right" I haven't checked part numbers, but that's a fair indication that they are the same on both sides.

 

The axles are not side specific.

 

The hole in the boot is my own fault. When changing out the shocks I had to use heat on the seized bottom bolt to get it out. It ended up melting a piece of the boot. Nothing horrible but enough of a hole to allow grease to spit out.

 

Changing an outer boot adds maybe 10 minutes to an inner boot change. The inner boot job is 95% of the work and must be done in order to install an outer. Nothing tricky about an outer, just 2 clamps and clean the old lube.

All aftermarket "new" CV's are Chinese knock offs with questionable or non existent quality control, less than OEM range of motion, strength and life.

For any kind of off road use a really common practice is to pick up a used/rebuilt OEM and re-boot the leaky one as a trail spare.

 

All you have to do is remove the inner boot and tripod and then you can do the outer boot easily.

 

No difference between left or right

 

Got the new CV installed. Now there's a popping noise coming from the front. It's happening on some turns as well as uneven road bumps. Any idea what could be causing this?

I know my sway bar bushings are fairly shot, but if it is that, how does that cause it to "pop"?

I'm supposed to be taking a road trip in a couple days but now I'm hesitant about taking the truck.

 

Did you make sure to seat and pop the cv axle back into place ?

 

It was done at a 4x4 shop. I'm trusting they knew what they were doing (hopefully).

 

I'd take it back to them ASAP if it is popping... likely not installed correctly.

Also, for those just needing to replace the boot, these are a great option, especially for lifted trucks:

The "fins" are more rounded and don't rub together when at an angle like the stock boots. You can also get a hose clamp to make the install easier. The clamps have rounded sides so they will not cut into the boot.

 

Popping noise fixed!! I tightened up the upper nut on the sway bar end link. Problem solved.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

 

why don't you just buy a new set of boots? they're like $9 each. all the work is getting the damn axle out of the truck. it takes about 20 minutes to break down the CV, clean it, check it for wear, and then reassemble with new boots.

 

What do you guys think about my situation though:

I wouldn't mind keeping my OEM axles, but both inner boots have been 100% torn for over 3 years...should I just go Napa at this point?

 

I went the Napa route. Hard to beat lifetime replacements. If you wheel hard enough they're gonna break eventually I've been through oem and remans

 

I rebooted both of my cvs this summer and they have held up to some pretty rough trails and flex. I've heard from quite a few people on TW that aftermarket axles do not perform as well as OEM. I'd rather stick to factory parts than aftermarket if I can.

Bought 2 of these kits, one for each axle: http://store.sdhqoffroad.com/oemreplacementcvbootkits.aspx

 

@alee891 How have those boots held up?

 

Not bad at all. Only gripe I have is that the rebuild kit doesn't come with clamps for the inner portion of the boot. I'd recommend getting a hose clamp or similar item to keep the boot on.

 

As mentioned , no need to chisel anything (if you have too, you've bigger issues) As for axle nut, some CV's com with/some don't , but pretty sure all will come (or should) with retainer (thin castle nut looking thing w/notches for cotter pin) ...

Most rips are from excess CV angle, it offroading, not as much if not..

Meh, what do YOU know ?...

 

Hey now watch it.

 

I have NAPA axles on both sides of my 02. No tears or issues. Seems like NAPA axles (new, not reman'd) are of pretty good quality.