CV Boot repair?

[saki]

My CV Boot on right front is torn. I am getting conflicting information from dealers and independent shops. I am being told that I need to replace the entire axle while another shop states I just need to replace the boot. They state the axle hardly ever get's replaced? What is true?

The cost ranges from $250 for install on new boot vs $600 for a new axle.

help... thanks

saki

[tarzjdm]

I'd change the axle.. $600 is a lot for that. I paid $150 for mine installed with a brand new axle. you just have to find a good independent mechanic and stick with them...

[MikTip]

Shops charge a 'labor-rate' quoted from a book.

In order for the shop to simply change the boot, they will more than likely have to remove the axle. Or remove the outer CV stub axle from the bearing housing. This job gets quoted approx 2.5 hours labor.

For the same shop to swap out the entire axle assembly, they should quote you a lower labor rate, like 1.0, which cuts the cost of the repair.

The other problem with busted CV boots, is most people dont know how long they have been busted, and when all the internal grease is gone, and dirt get inside the CV, its pretty much toast.

Its much simplier, easier, and usually more cost effective for shops to simply change the entire axle. These are rebuilt axle assemblies from companies who specialize in rebuilding CV axle assemblies. They can quite often rebuild an entire axle assembly, cheaper, than the cost of replacing just the outer CV joint and boot.