Finally a torn left outer CV joint boot - see PICS!!! - Page 4

4MoJoe · #1 08-22-2007, 04:57 PM

For anecdotal purposes mine had not split before I went on vacation. We drove 1,400 +/- miles and when I got home it had. That was over 7 days so that is concentrated where as I wouldn't drive that much in a month; would take me 2 months at my current rate. But my indy mechanic said I didn't want to wait on this repair. I would think if you have wet weather coming it'd not be a good thing...??!!

we350z · #2 11-01-2007, 02:54 AM

What speed will you hear click-click-click if your axle is toast? Mine blew super recently and I haven't been driving much at all so I think i can just replace the stupid boot.

msammy · #3 11-01-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by we350z

What speed will you hear click-click-click if your axle is toast? Mine blew super recently and I haven't been driving much at all so I think i can just replace the stupid boot.

Usually about 25-30mph while taking a turn on the side the boot is torn. My left boot was torn, so anytime I took a left turn under acceleration, I heard the clicking at about 25mph or so. If you don't hear the click, then most likely, just a boot replacement will do. Keep us all posted!

we350z · #4 11-20-2007, 12:56 AM

I'm afraid to drive the car with the boot torn on the bottom and the grease gone. I hear of people driving for a long time with torn boots tho, how safe is it to take it on a test drive?

I already got a replacement boot.

msammy · #5 11-21-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by we350z

I'm afraid to drive the car with the boot torn on the bottom and the grease gone. I hear of people driving for a long time with torn boots tho, how safe is it to take it on a test drive?

I already got a replacement boot.

It shouldn't be a problem to take it a couple of miles to see if you have the clicking noise. Just remember, without grease in the boot, the friction will take over eventually and destroy the joint. About 2K miles in my experience!

we350z · #6 11-21-2007, 10:51 PM

That's excellent information. I should have checked earlier but no harm in doing it now. Thanks again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by msammy

It shouldn't be a problem to take it a couple of miles to see if you have the clicking noise. Just remember, without grease in the boot, the friction will take over eventually and destroy the joint. About 2K miles in my experience!

msammy · #7 12-29-2007, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msammy

It shouldn't be a problem to take it a couple of miles to see if you have the clicking noise. Just remember, without grease in the boot, the friction will take over eventually and destroy the joint. About 2K miles in my experience!

Just a friendly reminder folks - let's renew this thread - wintertime is brutal on CV Joint boots. Look under your car today to see if your CV joints are torn before it's too late. If you have grease spilled on the wheel, and no "click-click-click", then call your trustworthy independent shop today before you need a new joint. Pay particular attention to the driver's side outer joint - this one is most likely the first to go! Happy New Year everyone and hope this helps!!!

Mrthrowdown · #8 01-23-2008, 01:43 PM

Does anyone know of a DIY article that deals with the replacement of the entire front axle assembly?

I have a 2001 X5 4.4 with about 96K miles. Both of my front cv boots died a long time ago. I was already hearing the clicking noise so I knew I would have to replace the entire axle. To answer the question that many have asked, the axles joints are very strong and will last in excess of 30K miles even after you hear the first click. I would not suggest you drive in this condition though.

Anyway, I've stopped driving the X5 and have ordered a whole bunch of Front end stuff to replace and install this weekend or over several weekends. I'm going to do the brakes, rotors, sway bars, control arms and both axles. Everything is fairly easy to do except the axles.

Any inforomation is much appreciated. BTW, I have read the DIY for the CV boot replacement which covers a lot. It seems that a few more steps and you could probably replace the whole axle following those instructions

MT

msammy · #9 02-17-2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msammy

Just a friendly reminder folks - let's renew this thread - wintertime is brutal on CV Joint boots. Look under your car today to see if your CV joints are torn before it's too late. If you have grease spilled on the wheel, and no "click-click-click", then call your trustworthy independent shop today before you need a new joint. Pay particular attention to the driver's side outer joint - this one is most likely the first to go! Happy New Year everyone and hope this helps!!!

Bump, Bump, Bump, with all the deep snow this winter, just a friendly reminder to take a quick look under your truck to ensure you haven't ripped your CV boots. If so, then another 2K miles or so, you'll be replacing the half-shaft. If you replace the boot before the CV joint is damaged, you'll save a bunch of money. Do a search for DIY CV joint boot replacement and tell us all how much money you've saved!!!

szyctom · #10 11-21-2007, 05:23 PM

Please help!

Mine was torn too. But I can feel the vibration on the steering wheel when making the leftest turn, like U-turn. However, did not hear noises or feel the vibration in normal driving. Is my CV still good?