CV Boot Torn. Need advice.

[mthomas58]

Just completed rear brake pad replacement today and noticed one of my CV boots is torn and the joint is exposed. Am I looking at just a boot replacement or boot and CV joint replacement. How do I tell if the joint is bad? Looks like the joint must be removed to replace the boot. No record of CV joint replacement in service records and I'm at 144,000 miles.

Also, is this a difficult repair?

Thanks!

[Don Plumley]

Lots of info on Pelican on CV joint repair and replacement.

On an 87, the outer joint is really not repairable. Just replace the entire axle assy. Our host sells axles with both CV's for around $300.

If the boot just tore and you can feel good grease on the CV, you can clean and repack. Do all four, swap axle sides. You should do a very careful inspection of all CV bearings and races to insure they are not worn or damaged. I've done the repack on mine, it's messy and time consuming, but if you have the time an inclination, and the joints are in good condition, then it's $100 vs $600.

At 144K miles though, I'd probably lean to replacing the axles. My $0.02

[Zef]

All you want to know is there...
Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

[Driver8]

Also maybe a good time to replace the rear bearings, if they have not been done in 144K

[mthomas58]

Was just going through PO service records and see that the right axle was replaced at 106k. At 144K I guess I should just go ahead and replace the left alxe with the torn outer boot.

No evidence or rear bearing replacement (front bearing were replaced at 114k). May as well replace the rears now while I'm in there as recommended.

Thanks!