Cut the protective boot on the axle
#1
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Replaced the front wheel (hub) bearing on my 1999 Bravada yesterday. Couldn't leave well enough alone so I decided to replace the front shocks. I couldn't get a bolt loose, so took out the torch. Guess I heated to much, noticed to small melt points on the boot that covers the axle. probably qty 2 1/8 holes. I don't see an easy fix without removing the axle.
Any thoughts on what exposure will be if I leave the boot with two holes in it instead of replacing it?
Any thoughts on what exposure will be if I leave the boot with two holes in it instead of replacing it?
#4
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You can try a rubber repair kit and see how that works. The boot keeps water and grime out of the axle and you don't want that hole to go unimpaired for very long.
#6
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More research indicates I tore the outer CV joint boot. Looks like Dorman makes a replacement boot without removing the axle:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...3368&ppt=C0362
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...3368&ppt=C0362
#7
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WOW! Great find. Leave it to Doorman to come up with an easy button for a tough problem. Looks doable and I hope you give us a first hand experience on how it works.
#9
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And I can't tell you the huge number of unscrupulous mechanics out there that tell people if the boot is split, the CV joint is bad and needs to be replaced.
#10
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Definitely a no go on the boot. Poorly engineered, catastrophic instructions and weak quality control in India where the boot is made.
The boot costs 50% of what an entire rebuilt axle costs. In the end, that is what I did- after doing tons of research replacing the axle seems the much more easier method than replacing the boot.
The boot costs 50% of what an entire rebuilt axle costs. In the end, that is what I did- after doing tons of research replacing the axle seems the much more easier method than replacing the boot.