so i've got a torn boot and in the process of removing the axle, the axle cover on the differential side came completely off. Is this a serious problem or can i simply hammer it back into place and have it be ok?

 

what do mean by the axle cover?

 

give us a pic, if it is just a crimped on mud shield yeah but I really don't know what you are referring to.

 

are u talking about the rubber boot that protects the tulip joint(the thing that allows the cv axle to move diffent ways)

 

yeah sorry for the unclear description and i don't have the ability to post pics right now. i've also since taken care of it and put it back together. but what i was talkin about is the back of the housing which the tulip joint is in. its the part right where the 6 bolts connect the cv axle to the diff. and it evidently can pop out, but i hammered it back in place and it sealed back now.

 

Are you talking about the grease seal on the back of the tulip joint?

 

yeah exactly, it popped off somehow in the process of removing the axle, but it went right back into place and seems to be in there solidly after some hammering