Replace CV boot or the whole axle?

[Matt]

Hello everyone!

Back in January I bought a 2000 Subaru Legacy. Last week I was getting a flat fixed at my friend’s shop and he noticed that the front inner CV boot is torn and is flinging grease all over the bottom of the engine (which explains the burning smell I’ve been smelling lately). Since I got the car fairly recently, I have no way of knowing how long the boot has been bad for.

So my question for everyone is, when is it a good idea to replace the whole axle vs just replacing the boot and repacking the grease?

Thanks everyone!

Topic

[college man]

I vote for doing the whole axle. 🙂

[Steven Cummings]

You’ll spend a lot of time and not save much money by replacing the boot. Just remember, you do get what you pay for, and on axles I’d go with a dealer one if possible and in the budget.

[Lorrin Barth]

Both inner boots on my wife’s WRX leaked – no holes just leaked through the factory installed clamps. I replaced both boots, Easy job if you don’t mind the greasy mess. Just get to it before dirt gets into the joint and ruins it.

The hard work is removing the axles and you have to do that in either case.

[Steven Cummings]

I was just watching Eric’s ETCG1 “difference of opinion” video. It made me think of this subject: Repair or replace. I agree with BarneyB on repairing when possible. But then I think that when someone is asking the question, my first thought is to have them replace for their ease. We can even have an internal difference of opinion!

In anycase, hope you get this figured out MfromVan

[Lorrin Barth]

It depends on the vehicle mileage. I’d say if less than 100K you are better off doing the boot. An OEM axle is a prize. But if a car has lots of miles, well everything wears out and a reman makes sense.

BTW, an inner boot is simplicity itself. Remove one C-ring and remove the tripod. Put on new boot. You will need a clamp pliers.

The thing is few axles are caught at the point where they are flinging grease. The average driver never looks under their car. So, it becomes axle time for most when the axle starts making strange sounds.

[EricTheCarGuy]

If it’s got over 100K on it I would replace the axle. If it’s less, replace the boot.

This might be helpful if you decide to go with the boot.

[Author]

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