some insight please

[Mark_88]

I doubt that you will find just the boots for that application...duct tape a plastic bag around them after you pack the originals is about the best short-term fix you're going to get...putting new boots on would be the same amount of work as just changing the part...

I know they do make CV boots that can be installed without removing the CV joint, but I've heard some very negative things about them...

That's why I shelled out $375 to replace just one CV joint...the other was supposed to be changed but the garage had the wrong part...haven't checked it for a while and your post reminded me that it needs to be done...

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

after a dust boot is torn (be it on a CV axle, ball joint, tie rod end, etc), the joint is almost immediatly contaminated with dust, dirt, water, etc. its life after that happens will be limited at best. IMO, its not worth messing around with just a boot when the labor will be nearly the same for replacing the entire joint.

not being able to wiggle the tire by hand means the joint isnt very worn. i suggested that test because if you can wiggle it by hand, the joint is VERY bad and should be replaced immediatly. it actually requires a pry bar placed under the lifted wheel to uncover a moderatly worn joint. so just because he couldnt get any movement with his hands doesnt mean the joint isnt in need of replacing.

 

[dru]

after a dust boot is torn (be it on a CV axle, ball joint, tie rod end, etc), the joint is almost immediatly contaminated with dust, dirt, water, etc. its life after that happens will be limited at best. IMO, its not worth messing around with just a boot when the labor will be nearly the same for replacing the entire joint.

not being able to wiggle the tire by hand means the joint isnt very worn. i suggested that test because if you can wiggle it by hand, the joint is VERY bad and should be replaced immediatly. it actually requires a pry bar placed under the lifted wheel to uncover a moderatly worn joint. so just because he couldnt get any movement with his hands doesnt mean the joint isnt in need of replacing.

how many hours of labor would this take a shop? should i replace the uppers while im at it?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

id estimate an hour and a half or so per side. you can do uppers if you'd like. they usually dont take quite the abuse that the lowers do.

 

[dru]

id estimate an hour and a half or so per side. you can do uppers if you'd like. they usually dont take quite the abuse that the lowers do.

my friends an idiot. he acts like he knows what the hell hes talking about. he was saying that to replace the boots would not require taking the assembly apart and that to replace the joints would require BREAKING out the ball joint press and id be looking at a $1000 to replace the 2 lower ball joints. Im going to show him this thread. JACKASS!!!!

 

[dru]

you could consider me an idiot for believing him

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the boots slip over the stud of the joint. in order to replace it, you have to disassemble everything down to the joint. the only "extra" step to actually replace the joint is to press the old out and press the new in.

ball joints are pretty routine items to replace. a ball joint press is very handy, but you can accomplish the same with a BFH.

if it makes you feel any better, i worked at the local ford dealer for a little over a year and ball-joints were a daily occurance (i could about do them in my sleep).