*Update* Found the clunking noise...Torn CV Boot(Pics)

[Durrby]

A couple of weeks ago I posted a thread saying that when I accelerate from a dead stop or if I'm driving around a parking lot a slow speed I hear a clunking noise from upfront. At 1st I thought it might be a motor mount (rear or tranny) but it's not. Since I don't have a driveway where I live i've been procrastinating troubleshooting what it was. Just outta curiosity I checked my CV boots today and was amazed with what I saw. My passenger CV boot is torn and there's grease covering the inside of my rim, strut and wheel well. How should I go about fixing it for cheap, dealer...local shop...TN member? haha.

About how much should it cost to replace with labor? Are they sold in pairs or can it be done individually?

Here's some pics:




what-a-mess!

[RichieRichJP]

Wow that's a bizillion times worse than mine when they were torn. Look like you tore it and just left the grease on your rim without bothering to clean it. Then again, it looks like it just dripped out

[Durrby]

Yea it sux...I guess it tore like 2-3 weeks ago cause thats when I started to hear the clunking. Like I said I don't have a driveway so it's a hassle to brings stuff to the car far away. I'll clean the rim one of these days.

[Dj-torn]

A shop that i went to told me that they don't normaly replace the boot, they do the whole thing. But i found this website that i think just sells the boots, give it a shot. I'm not sure, but hopefuly it helps.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com...+Rack+Boot+Kit

[elhsgrad04]

i had to replace the whole thing on my 91 honda accord propbly the same way with the camry...

[amerikim]

Had both replaced for I think $200. included half shafts, boots but not alignment.

If its clunking, you probably are too late for just the rubber boot.

[RichieRichJP]

Originally Posted by Dj-torn

A shop that i went to told me that they don't normaly replace the boot, they do the whole thing.

Yup, I heard the same thing too

And you paid $200 for all that? Shit, I paid $300 for just the CV joints alone, and that was probably the cheapest place in town

[camrycoupe95]

Not sure this will help ya since it's a different car but I had a pair of rebuilt axles put on a 95 Civic for $450.

[[SMAN]]

I had that happen to me last winter. ABout 2 hours after i schedualed to have a shop look and replace the parts, the axel snapped. Do not just replace the boot. If your allready getting clicking, your axel is done for. The good news is that a decent shop should charge you about $250 per axel to cover both parts and labor. Also, if one is going, the other will be too. So you might as well jsut have both replaced at the same time.

[Camry005man]

You can just replace that CV boot by cutting out the old one and get it from the store, it comes in 2 pieces and oil, clue, around $30 for my old Corolla and either for my Tercel. If you would like to replace one piece like the original one, oh man, you need some tools. I've done it by borrowing my friend's tools. If you go to the shop, you can see 250-300 and replace the rebuilt one.
I know this sux.

[Eye8Pussies]

if you're actually hearing noise, then it's more than just the boot...

just go get a rebuilt half-axle

[Digger1]

It is a good practice to check those boots at every oil change.

Generally, the boots will be torn for quite a while before the joints start making noise. If you catch a torn boot early enough, you may be able to save the joint.

[kenny1773]

If you hear noise, your should replace the half shaft

Trus me, they have been ripped for more than 2 or 3 weeks. My buddy drove on his ripped for over a year before his made noise

I replaced the boots only on my 1995, it was a TON of work. Most of what you pay is labor.

I got mine in time so the axel and cv was ok, just replacing the boot did the trick.

Shops around me wanted $500-$600 to replace both sides with rebuilt half shafts. After doing it myself, I can say they earn the money.

[hemant]

I got mine done for $180 (remanufactured parts + labour). I saw the man fixing it and I can say it should be a tough DIY.

[Durrby]

thanks for the info everyone...so basically if it's already clunking it's more then just the boot right?

is a half shaft and half axle the same thing?

is it really necessary to replace the whole axle let alone both like [sman] said?

am i better off letting the shop get me the parts or trying a junkyard or online vendor?

general concensus what should I be paying for this repair?

sorry for my ignorance but I am indeed a noob when it comes to repairs.