Hey all, while replacing my front brake pads i realized that one of my cv boots is compltetly torn/off... i've seen thsoe aftermarket cv boots where you dont have to pull anything off becuase theyre just in two pieces and then you bolt them together... do these work well enough? if so where should i get them? just get them bolt them up most of the way, past with synthetic, or semi-synth grease and move on?

thanks in advance
kelly

p.s. currently there is no whining from the front axle when driving, im unsure how long the boot ahs been torn but it is definitly ungreased currently, however there is not a lot of dirt and debris on the cv.

 

Get a bunch of "brake wash" (like 3 or 4 cans) and hose the crap out of it while it's up on a jack or stand so that you can turn the axle while you're spraying.

The "Quik boots" can usually be gotten at any auto parts store or supplier and they do work pretty good, just remember to check them every now and then as the bolt flange can sometimes get caught due to excess flexing.

 

I've never really been a fan of split-boots, but they are good for an emergency fix.
Run one of those until you can permanently fix the situation.

 

Also, if you're not into rebuilding your axles, you may want to give www.rockauto.com a shot for a complete replacement (I'm thinking $60 or less, can't remember) delivered to your door.

 

I wouldn't waste your time with a split boot, fix it right the first time or you'll spend more time and money in the long run. As mentioned above, a brand new CV can be had for less than 100 bucks. A boot rebuild kit from Toyota ran me 45 bucks, but is a messy job and not worth it (unless you're really strapped for cash).

You could put a new boot on,

 

Alright just to get this straight.. Since this is a front CV and I am planning on replacing it, there is no real rush as long as I replace it before I engage 4WD.. with moving for college in a couple weeks I have a feeling it may be a month or two before I get back onto the trails and I am wondering if it is alright to continue to run the CV bootless as long as I replace it. I would imagine that this CV doesnt spin until you engage 4wd (lock the hubs). Is this a correct assumption? Am I safe in doing this? Just curious as I am fairly busy now.

Thanks for all the help,
Kelly

 

If you've got manual hubs, then yes, you should be fine since the CV's shouldn't be engaged. On my 4runner with ADD (automatic disconnecting differentials), the cv's are always spinning, regardless of whether or not I'm in 4WD.

 

I do have ADD.. could it cause damage to any other part or am I ok to continue running it like this as long as the axle is replaced before I engage 4WD.

Thanks in advance,
Kelly

 

If it is the drivers side then it turns all the time but if its the passenger side it doesn't turn while driving.

 

unfortunatly it is the driver side... heres what the damage looks like

 

So.........., replace it, it's boot, or "Speedi-boot" it to hold you over until you can get back to it, but don't forget about it.

 

Yours isn't half as bad as all the grease I have slung on my LCA...Yeh just do what the others said and redo it with new grease. Should be fine. I'm replacing mine with some cv's from cv unlimited with the better boots on them.

 

is it ok to run it like this for a month or two? if it's on the drivers side and its still spinning can it ruin anything else

 

It can sling the grease everywhere from driving it in that fashion and caused increased build up of dirt deposits on those areas.

Additionally, if you drive it in the rain or through water, you run the risk of drying out the CV joint by rinsing out all of the grease, which will cause it to snap. :cry:

Bottom line: You really need to address it ASAP.

 

Or get manual hubs....

 

Wrap it in duct tape until you can fix it properly, I ran mine wide open for about 3 months before I pulled tha axle. (I wouldn't really suggest this however)

 

You don't say what year your 4runner is. If it's a 89 you possibly have ADD, if it's 88 or older then you do not have ADD, you have either manual hubs or auto locking hubs. If you have manual hubs or auto locking hubs then your axles will not be turning unless you put it in 4wd.

No one is going to tell you you'll be OK if you don't fix it soon...that is your decision. The longer you wait, the more likely damage will occur from dirt, mud, water etc. A boot rebuild kit from trdparts4u.com runs about $25.

 

I have a '93 and am sure I have the ADD

 

May I suggest that you create a sig line or fill out your profile. Your avatar threw me off.

It would help us help you.