Cv joint replacement or just the boot

[rsf]

Hi everyone...I've read through all the articles I can find about removing and replacing the CV joints and boots, and have finally been able to remove my axle and have pulled a part and cleaned up the inner CV joint has/had the ripped boot.

After pulling it apart and cleaning it, there looks to be little to no wear on the ball bearing or any other components. The ball bearing have no scratches on them and look to be in perfect shape...as does the other components. I'm thinking I might have noticed the ripped boot before all the grease came out any contaminates got inside.

My question is, is there any advantage to replacing the entire inner CV joint, or should I just replace the boot? This is not a fun job, so I don't want to have to pull it apart again for a while...but also don't want to replace it if there isn't any advantage to doing it. As well, I'm only planning on replacing this one joint/boot at this time. I don't have the luxury of time and space to do both sides.

The outer boot on this side is not ripped and looks to be in good shape as well. Is there anything I can do to keep the outer boot from drying out and ripping/cracking? Os should I replace it as well since I'm here and the axle is out of the car.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

rsf

[mikefocke]

Most just clean, repack and replace.

While there replace the other on the same axle.

While the inner boots on a 6-speed are more prone to fail, the other one on the same axle is equally old. Why not replace it while you have the axle out for little enough extra labor compared to having to do it again?

Ah the eternal question of how much preventative maintenance to do. For me, I've answered the question wrong more than I got it right.

[Scnell Gelb]

Just done this job on a 6 spd. with Pelican Parts. Thanks Wayne & crew!
Examine the folds of the outer boots very carefully in bright light after cleaning them.If you see even one partial crack - I suggest replacing them.
When you eventually have to do the outer boots,you have to remove the whole assembly AND the inner bearing AND the inner boot to get to the outer one. That is a lot of do-over work to save the $4 cost of a boot ! You didn't reuse the old clips did you?
And DO NOT get grease on the C.V. bolt threads - otherwise they can easily loosen/fall out while driving ! Clean the bolts with aerosol brake cleaner and let them dry before inserting them .Similarly clean the threaded holes in the flange for the same reason. Green Loctite is probably a wise precaution.