torn cv boot. Replacement recommendations?

[erikv11]

The raxles.com item is pricey, I think they are about $180 now.

[SpeedyPete]

Hi Guys: I had to replace both of my front axels and used the EMPI's. So far so good. TIP: When inserting the shaft back into the transmission make sure the circlip opening is facing down. It has been my experience that the shaft slides and locks in easier when the circlip is in this position. Best Regards, SpeedyPete

[hanzbe420]

There are two axles, one for each side. You can either replace the boot, or the entire passenger (right) side axle.

To replace the boot there is fantastic advice on this site from a cn90 tutorial. He'll probably post if he hasn't already while I am writing this

I personally would replace the axle, but it is your call. Axles you can buy cheap (~$85 at fcp) new replacements that work some of the time, the new EMPI axle which is supposedly better (~$116 at fcp) or you can spend about $180 and get a perfect rebuilt Volvo axle with forever guarantee from raxles.com. I went the latter route on both axles for my car, the guy there is named Marty you can call him.

The other part you need is one axle seal, get OEM http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... ory_id/103

Hey man i decided to just get the empi cv boot kits for both sides as they just both ran out 1 right before the other. and i forgot to get a axle seal. will i be OK? as I am working on it tomorrow and cant wait for delivery. can i just reuse the old seal or what? Is that just when replacing the axle i need the seal or what? please let me no asap as I am doing the job tomorrow.

[ronaldo2526]

I tried the split boot solution. Can not recommend that way. Ended up going with new axles and boots. Should have gone that way first.

[hanzbe420]

and how long did they last when u did new boots only? what kind of boots? how bad were the axles? and as for the seal will i be able to go without it. I mean if its not leaking? i allready bought all the parts so mine as well do it. I am just worried about this axle seal now cause you can only get them online and if i am in the middle of a job id have to wait a week for a part. i checked autozone nappa and advanced

[erikv11]

For the seal you can definitely go without it, if it is currently not leaking. I just like to do them while I am in there.

Just take care not to ruin the old seal. But it is not like the seals usually get ruined on an axle removal - just pay attention to the seal during the job, you should be totally fine without it.

[hanzbe420]

ok kool well hopefully everything goes ok. neither side is ticking on corners so they seem to be ok. hopefully they will last along time more with the new boots and hopefully i don't have to redo the job with new axles anytime soon.

[hanzbe420]

I decided to return the boots. And wait for them to start ticking, then change em. But therer still riding fine with no noise haha so I dunno. How long after the boot breaks, does it start ticking?

[Ozark Lee]

After going through a terrible set of Cardone rebuilts I went with a set of EMPI axles for the Platinum which were moderately better. That was maybe 18 months ago. While doing front brake pads last week I noticed that the inner CV joint boot is split out. I had a drive fest doing field work (3k miles in a week) and it is really clacking now. The only replacements I have been happy with have came from Raxles and that is where I am going this time for the replacement on the Platinum as well as the new axle I need for the '94.

Luckily I have been saving the original OEM bad axles as I don't think Marty will accept previously re-built or new Chinese axles as cores.

...Lee

[erikv11]

Just an observation: There can be a lot of turns on the way, but these axle conversations seem to always end up the same way. That is, until you call Marty at raxles.com, the job isn't finished.