Split CV Boots?

[Bluebelles Mom]

I am needing to replace my cv boots. I have seen suggestions of using plastic baggies and tieraps as temp fixes but I have just seen something else. Boots that come split so you can put them on without taking anything apart then you seal them up with some sort of glue/sealant.

Has anyone tried these? If the cv joints themselves are still OK does this sound like a viable option?

[splatterdog]

I've never seen a split boot that didn't fail very quickly. The outer joints get booted from the inner side so you need two per axle for a reboot. If you go that route, get the proper boots. Not splits or universals.

New shafts aren't much more than new boots cost.

DLB's baggie boots were on VW bus rear shafts that don't steer. I highly doubt that will work, even temporarily, on a front outer joint..

[Bluebelles Mom]

OK...I guess this falls under the "if it sounds too good to be true" heading. I thought it might save me some work.

Thanks for the answer.

[Petros]

It is not too bad a job to replace the boots, but the kit is about $25 each, and a fair bit of work to install it. I have used them before, if not too much grit gets in the damaged boot you can save the joint. But typically once noticed you have already driven on it for a long time, wearing out the joint. Putting new boots on worn out CV joints is just a wasted effort.

You can keep driving on it with the torn boot until it clunks so badly you have to replace it. I suggest just saving your money until you can afford new axles, and rarely do they fail all at once. Buying a new axle assembly gives you new boots and CV joints, and it is much easier to just swap out the axle assembly.

If we ever get together to replace your head gasket, we can also likely put some new axles in at the same time. Took me about 30-40 min each the last time I did it with hand tools and a floor jack.

[dlb]

hey BBM. the ziploc/zip tie solution was something i only intended to leave on for a week because i hadn't had time to do the CVs on my van before we went camping in it. it may be fine for a few days but like SD said, it's definitely not a good idea if you need to keep driving the vehicle for a while and it definitely won't hold up as well on the front end where it has to turn back and forth.

CVs are actually really easy to do, don't be intimidated by them at all. lots of good guides for doing them on here.

[Bluebelles Mom]

It is not too bad a job to replace the boots, but the kit is about $25 each, and a fair bit of work to install it. I have used them before, if not too much grit gets in the damaged boot you can save the joint. But typically once noticed you have already driven on it for a long time, wearing out the joint. Putting new boots on worn out CV joints is just a wasted effort.

You can keep driving on it with the torn boot until it clunks so badly you have to replace it. I suggest just saving your money until you can afford new axles, and rarely do they fail all at once. Buying a new axle assembly gives you new boots and CV joints, and it is much easier to just swap out the axle assembly.

If we ever get together to replace your head gasket, we can also likely put some new axles in at the same time. Took me about 30-40 min each the last time I did it with hand tools and a floor jack.

Thanks Petros, just let me know when it's good for you. I looked at new axles online, looks like somewhere around $130. I think the priority is getting the head gasket and possibly a rebuilt head on first. I am waiting for a call back from a local shop for a quote on rebuilding one if I can get it from the local pick and pull.

[takza]

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5998

[Highlander]

Two comments- One, check with Advance Auto Parts for GSP axles, I put three of them into two of our '85s and they've held up great, they were ~$85 each. You have to get them special ordered in, but they are way better than anything that you'll find rebuilt (like Cardone for example) and they're about the same price.
Second, I just put a split boot onto an axle that I had removed from my '83 , and put it onto the new, green '85. It took me quite a while including cleaning out the CV joint, bonding the boot up, waiting for the cement to dry (packed the joint for part of the time), then putting the boot onto the axle without getting it greasy, bonding it up, waiting for it to dry and finally getting the clamps on. This was a huge deal to do properly ON THE BENCH, I don't see how it could realistically be done ON THE CAR properly. That said, I know that its usually done as a stopgap method of saving the axle, but I was too lazy to tear apart both CVs.
Anyway, that's the story, BBM, if it were me, I'd find the GSP axles and be done with it-an hour and a half to install both sides, and at least 150k miles of good axles is cheap insurance.

[ARCHINSTL]

+ + + on the GSP axles. I've been pleased for 3+ years with them. Just be sure and get new seals where they insert into the trans. A few other members are fans of EMPI axles.
Tom M.