Rear axle and CV joint/boot question

[Canada Kev]

I was under the car last evening doing a valve adjust and while looking about, I noticed an outer CV joint boot had split. I have no idea how long it's been like that but I didn't see a bunch of black, dirty goo hinging around which could mean it's been like that for a long time or it just happened...

Anyway, the car has about 130K miles on it and my records show no axle or CV joint replacements in its history. I did replace both boots on the other side about 30K miles ago because one was split and the other starting to crack.

How long do the CVs generally last? Mine aren't making any noise at all right now, but they do have a fair amount of mileage on them. Would it be a wise idea to replace the joints with new as a bit of prevention or just re-boot them? In my Carrera, it would require a new axle assy for each side at abut $300 per vs. ten percent of that for just new boots.

I have no idea how long each side has run without grease or how long it'll be until they require replacement. Could one of these catastrophically fail leaving me stranded, or heaven forbid, come apart at 80 mph? Will they give me advance notice with rumbling or knocking noises? How much warning should I expect to get?

I was going to be out on a 1500 mile Porsche gathering/drive/get together this weekend and this kinda pisses me off as now I'll have to wait for parts or pay the local crooks almost $70 for each boot kit.

Thanks a bunch.

[Joe Bob]

80-100. Rebuilt CVs tend to explode when least expected. I have paid to get two new CVs and axle, built....plug and play. Sell the old to someone that pinches pennies.

[impactbumper]

at 117k, just repacking my axles with new boots and grease. They did not have excessive play nor did they make any noise. I am a penny pincher

[Charles Freeborn]

CV's are remarkably tough. It's all a matter of if dirt got into them and there is any damage. Only way to tell is to pull apart, clean them out and inspect ( a really dirty job). If any of the parts look like this, they're toast:
-C

[oh snap]

I just redid all of my boots at 103k miles. I had one torn boot and that joint had unusual wear (black pitting on the bearings). all the others still looked good and were tight so I cleaned them up reassembled with new grease.

[Canada Kev]

What are the recommendations for the boot clamp pliers? Are the ones that ratchet closed necessary or are the plier type sufficient?

[winders]

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

What are the recommendations for the boot clamp pliers? Are the ones that ratchet closed necessary or are the plier type sufficient?

These:

CTA4210 - CV Joint Boot Clamp Pliers - Eared Type

[Canada Kev]

Thank you.