Car Question

MountaineerTom · June 18, 2001

Alright, I need some advise from some of the other mechanics here. This weekend I but new drivers side ball joints, tie rod ends, hub and bearing assembly and half shaft (or drive shaft). My question concerns the CV boot on the half shaft. Like an idiot, I accidentally ripped one of the boots as we were just finishing up. (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch) Has anyone every used those boots that are split down the side and you glue (or how ever you do it) it back together? If so, how do they hold up? My wife works at the Avdance Auto Parts store here, so she may be able to turn it in as a "Defective Part" and get another new one. (I probably deserve to be turned in as a Defective Husband for ripping the **** boot on a brand new half shaft. LOL) Keep in mind that this car has about 185,000 miles on it and we'll probably only keep it a few more years. I'd like to get a new one again, but then I got to take all that stuff apart again.

Just wanting to get some opinions.

Shaners · June 18, 2001

I know some peolpe that have used the split boots with fairly good success. You live in a warmer climate so you don't have to worry about bitter cold making it "stiff" and since you will only be keeping the car a few years then I'd say it's better than tearing everything down to replace the other one.

76BBSub · June 18, 2001

Agreed. If you are only keeping the car a few years you shouldn't have any problems. Depending on where the tear is it may not cause you any problems for awhile either. My wife's car, '94 Nissan Sentra, has had a small tear in each boot for some time now. I first noticed it about a year ago, but I decided to let it go until they start making some noise. So far it hasn't been a problem (knock on wood!). On an older car with that many miles I'd be tempted to let it go and see how many years it'll last with the tear, or maybe try the repair boot. I wouldn't bother tearing it all apart and replacing it again.

Jeff

MountaineerTom · June 18, 2001

Thanks for the input guys. The tear is on the inner cv boot, right where the metal housing is, maybe and inch or so from where it is clamped down. It's not torn over the metal, but just before it. I wish there was some type off patch or repair kit, kind of like for an inner tube. I may just go with the split repair boot, just to be safe.

Thanks again.

MountaineerTom · June 23, 2001

Weel, I ended up getting a new half shaft at no extra charge. A friend that works there with my wife said that it must have been "Defective" and gave me a new one. It took a little more time and work, but I got new, servicable stuff on there now. Now all that's left is the passenger's side. That will be another payday/weekend. The car feels alsmost brand new now.

Thanks for the inputs.