CV Axle question

[Bad Justin]

I got my car up on my buddy's lift earlier this morning to check things out. My drivers side front axle is shot (or so I think). The the boot is not torn or cracked or anything. There is a clamp that is missing tho, causing the boot to not stay on and it's thrown grease EVERYWHERE. Now I know there are bearings in there. My question is, have I driven it so long (that persistent clicking when turning)that I cannot just re-camp the boot and re-grease it? OR do I have to change the whole thing.

[ryuuoh]

You need to replace the CV joint ($100 for the part) or the axle (~$200 from raxles.com) I replaced both of my CV joints. Not too hard, but very messy. If you have a lift available, not hard at all with the right tools.

[Bad Justin]

with the mileage on my car (251,000+) I figured that ought to do.

[Breezo]

On all my older Audis I had to replace almost all the axles over the years. My suggestion is to bring the axle to a driveshaft shop, and have it rebuilt. I ended up saving a lot of money having them rebuild them, instead of just buying new ones and exchanging the core. Plus you know its the right shaft, which can be an issue sometimes.

Its not that hard of a job, and you can for sure do it yourself if you have any kind of mechanical ability.

[Bad Justin]

well I took it to a local euro garage and had him do a twice over..... It has no oil leaks... not burning any. Rack and all associated parts are OK as of now. Just laid down 800.00 for new struts all the way around. I need to to do CV next.... 70 from NAPA then 50.00 for the local euro garage to install. I do have a cat issue.... I'm torn between just putting universal's on it for 70 a pop or just gutting the ones I have I think they are clogged and are getting noisy .... I already have a piece of flex pipe holding them on essentially. I'm looking for the most efficient and cost effective way to do it so I don't have to "borrow" from the new car savings lol. Any suggestions for the cat issue? Replace or gut .... and what are the differences .....

[blueraj]

Just Bought both front drive axles from "Raxles". Talked to Marty and explained that i was referred to him from this forum and he was extremely helpful . And even offered free return of the core axle by mail to Florida. The Axles went for $199 each and $34 Shipping and handling+ Free core return.

[a6hcw]

The outer CV joint is sold separately. If it is noisy, it can be taken apart for inspection. A special tool is used to pop the outer CV joint off of the the axle, where a circlip holds it. The inner CV joint for the Automatic transmission is different than for the manual transmission.