Driving in 2wd with torn CV boot?

This hasn't happened to me, I was just curious. If you blow a CV boot, will it hurt anything if you keep driving in 2wd (to get home, to a shop, whatever)?

Besides grease flying everywhere, of course.

 

Cover it with a think plastic bag and tape the ends, so you don't get dirt in it. And drive slow, for less a chance for the bag to come off.

 

But the worst I could do is ruin that CV axle right?

 

Yes, but they cost $500 for the whole axle. If you rip the outer boot and ruin the joint, you are f'ed and have to pay the $500 at the dealer. I haven't heard about any cheaper aftermarket ones yet.

 

Makes sense... but it will burn up the CV axle, not the entire front diff or something, right? As in, the damage is still limited to that one CV axle?

 

OK, makes sense. I would tape it anyway if possible, just wanted to know in case this ever happens.

Thanks guys!

 

$500!?! Is the axle made of Gold or something?

You can buy them at most auto parts stores for between $50-200

Like someone said before, it's easier to replace the axle than it is to replace the boot.

I've driven 10k miles on a torn boot before. All the boot does is hold the grease in there.

 

AAWWW bitch. Thats a great deal! I wish I knew about that in September. I would of had a spare.

 

Thats the quote I got from the dealer. Boots are pretty easy to do, just use hose clamps instead of the clamps the boot kit comes with.

 

My friends 4-runner does this.

 

You know what, I lied about the $500. The $500 was with them replacing the half shaft., it included labor and parts.

 

I've had the same problem in my truck because of my lift. I drove it for like 2 months without covering it up and it made a mess, but ran fine. Just replace the whole thing, get it at Kragens for $70 and it comes with a lifetime warranty. So whenever it happens again, just take it there and they'll give you a brand new one!

 

Most of the time, the outer CV is the one that fails and with my experience with CV axles, it requires you to dis-assemble the inner joint to be able to remove & reinstall the outer boot & joint.