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Has anyone used a split boot to replace their worn or broken front outer CV boots? Mine has a crack and is starting to leak grease. I don't want to remove the shaft transmission is working perfectly.
Front CV boot replacement
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I ran into the exact issue on our 2013 equinox. Something knicked the boot. Flung grease all over the place.
I ordered a new cv axle.
Dissasembled the parts, and a few taps to the axle and it slid off the splines.
I was also doing my 100,000 mile change in suspension parts.
But it was an easy job. No messing with transmission. Id do the same thing on my 2010 if the issue arose.
Checkout some youtube videos and see if you want to try it
My 2013 equinox.
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I ordered a new cv axle.
Dissasembled the parts, and a few taps to the axle and it slid off the splines.
I was also doing my 100,000 mile change in suspension parts.
But it was an easy job. No messing with transmission. Id do the same thing on my 2010 if the issue arose.
Checkout some youtube videos and see if you want to try it
My 2013 equinox.
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2 Posts
I don't need to replace the axle. I only need to replace the boot.
Joined
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1,515 Posts
I've seen mixed reviews on the split boots on other vehicles. Some will leak grease even if installed per the instructions or not last long.
IMO changing the boot with another 1 piece isn't worth the work of taking apart the axle assy. since it has to come out anyway.
IMO changing the boot with another 1 piece isn't worth the work of taking apart the axle assy. since it has to come out anyway.
Not a good idea to use split boots. Years ago I attended a seminar on CV joints and axles and they brought up the problem with split boots. Not only is the cracked boot letting grease out as it rotates, it also sucks moisture and dirt inside and contaminates the grease that is left inside the joint. When you install a split boot, you are now adding new grease to the contaminated grease plus no guarantee the split boot is going to seal completely. It is best and easier to just replace the entire axle assembly, or buy a new boot - not split - and disassemble the CV joint and completely clean & reassemble, pack with new grease and install the new bands. It's a lot of work. You can get a rebuilt axle assembly fairly cheap and just swap it out. It's not a hard job and it is definitely your best bet. Removing the axle shaft is not going to hurt your transmission. Just be careful not to tear the axle seal. If you can, you might as well replace the axle seal while you have the axle out.
It is almost just as cheap to replace the whole axle and call it a day.
I was a mechanic for 30 years and never recommended a split or full boot. when it rips you will never get all the sand and dirt out of the joint. Even if you pay a reasonable tech it will cost less in the long run and it's not hard to do yourself.
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