CV Boot

[PhilMart]

Did a bit of a search but most of the responses are over my head as they relate to doing the work yourself.

I have just returned from picking up my 08 GTI from a dealer service and they have stated that I have a split CV Boot. Not too fussed about the fact it is split as it has just done 120K. But the price was a bit steep - somewhere in the vicinity of 400.00! I believe that this was to replace the CV Boot only.

Should I also be be looking at perhaps the CV Joints and possibly other things at the same time as the boot? Surely these are pretty common things so having a few things replaced while everything is out of the car would be beneficial down the track?

Should I be looking at doing both sides as one side may generally preface the same problem in the opposite side?

What sort of extra cost might I be up for and can any mechanic or CV "shop" do these fixes rather than perhaps going back to the dealer?

Thanks in advance

[giveway]

UIf you find a place that reconditions CV joints and driveshafts they will typically offer a exchange for a complete drive shaft with recondition CV joins and boots for a little bit more than what they charge for replacing the boot. You will probably find you could get reconditioned drive shafts for both sides for less than $400.

10 Years ago I exchanged the drive shafts in my subie for about $110 per side fitted.

I'd do both sides at the same time.

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[Idle]

At 120K the CV joints would about need checking. Here in Melbourne there are drive shaft specialists who run change-over service — probably in Adelaide as well.

I've used them for other makes and the results have been OK — the price you've been quoted would about cover the lot, joints, bearings and all.

[Umai Naa!!]

Depending on which boot it is, will determine the price.

Some of them, you have to strip the other end off, to get the split one off.

Genuine boot kits are around $40ea, and maybe an hour or so to sort it out.

[PhilMart]

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately even if the process was easy I would have no idea! Adding oil, washer fluid and changing light bulbs is the extent of my knowledge.

I read on an the web that reconditioned CV Joints and the like were not up to scratch as opposed to the OEM stuff? Would that be true?

BTW the invoice I got stated it was the RH Outer CV Boot.

Phil

[jets]

Should I also be be looking at perhaps the CV Joints and possibly other things at the same time as the boot? Surely these are pretty common things so having a few things replaced while everything is out of the car would be beneficial down the track?

Should I be looking at doing both sides as one side may generally preface the same problem in the opposite side?

I have a few of these over the years going back to around 1980. The outer boot is the one that normally gives up first, mainly because of the angles it has to work. You need to inspect the damaged boot to see why it has split. Has it been torn or are cracks developing. If the latter, you may need to replace the boots on both shafts. I have only in the past replaced the boots that are damaged.
As far as other work while the shaft is out make sure the mechanic cleans the joint thoroughly & uses the correct grease. I have replaced a boot on my T4 only to find wear starting in the joint. There was no noise at all & if the boot had just been replaced without doing a proper job, soon after I would need to do the job again.
If you are looking at after market boots I recommend the Lobro brand, OEM for Mercedes, Porsche etc.

[PhilMart]

Thanks for all the comments. Rang a place close by that does CV Shafts and they suggested not to change the CV Joint or shafts unless there was grinding - which there is not. Did advise changing the other outer boot at same time. Both for around 250. Much cheaper than dealer quote!


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[Transporter]

You will probably find you could get reconditioned drive shafts for both sides for less than $400.
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Sure, but they are made in China and you will be changing the CV joints or at least the boots on them annually, cause the rubber boots will perish in notime.

...as always you get what you paid for.

[Idle]

Sure, but they are made in China and you will be changing the CV joints or at least the boots on them annually, cause the rubber boots will perish in notime.

...as always you get what you paid for.

Not always — I had my sister's old Corolla done by a local operator in 2000. When traded in nearly a decade later the
joints and boots were still fine. And she used it a lot — it didn't sit around much.

They were new parts, though, and having said that, I've also seen CV joint sockets rebuilt by welding, then cleaned up with a hand-held grinder — I wouldn't expect them to last long.

[Transporter]

Sorry mate, I'm taking it back then.

[Ricka]

Had the LH CV joint/shaft complete replaced a few months ago as boot split, with grinding noises on a hot day. $350 all up, at Jax.

[PhilMart]

Thanks for all the responses. Had the boot only replaced today for 125 all up. They looked at the other boot and said it was fine. I wanted to get both done but they said the other one was in really good nick? I was happy to pay and someone didn't want my money! Not very often that happens.

Thanks again

[watson83]

Where did you get it done, need one of my outers done. Could do it myself but running out of time leading into Christmas.

[CardinalSin]

I used to have business specialising in CV joints. At that age and with those km's I would suspect the boot got damaged on the road, which would explain the other side being alright. When the boots split the joints lose their grease very quickly and will start wearing rapidly. Hopefully they cleaned and inspected it carefully.

Beware of reconditioned joints. There's nothing wrong with good second hand joints that are swapped to run on the opposite side, they are like new in that situation and genuine parts which are usually top quality. Reconditioned shafts might have new or good SH joints fitted but some will have knackered joints that have had the bell, cage and race indents welded, they should be avoided like the plague but it's all hidden under the boot.

I would always go directly to a specialist with a good reputation for value and quality.

[PhilMart]

watson83

Not sure if I can put a web address on here. So search in Google for CV Joints. Mine was the only one in Edwardstown.