Experience with Split CV Joint Boots?

I have a Nissan Maxima on which the left outer CV joint boot needs replacing. I am seeking information about your experiences with split boots used as replacements on your vehicles. I would like to replace the boot without the work of yanking the whole axle/drive shaft.

Did you use a screw together boot or glue together boot?

Have you had good or bad experiences? Problems, things to look out for, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

 

You need to replace the axles. These "repair boots" are temporary. Your axles prolly areadly lost all it's grease.

 

Thanks for the input Hot.

The axles were replaced when the trans was rebuilt about fifteen months ago. The boot is still elastic and maintains a proper extended shape, but has an angular cut across the bellows.

I pulled the boot back and checked the grease when the wheel was off a couple of days ago. The grease was in good shape and its quantity was fine. I added a little more moly CV grease just for good measure.

The vehicle does not travel dusty roads and only sees a few miles per week.

 

I've used the split type before on my '91 Accord and didn't like them. They didn't hold the grease long. And however little the screws weighed, it was still enough to cause a vibration at freeway speeds. I ended up just replacing my axle instead. A rebuilt axle cost me about $50 and took me less than an hour to replace. And I've been able to put over 120k miles on it with no problem. When it came time to do the other side I didn't hesitate to just slap in another rebuilt axle. I replaced the axles in my in-laws' Escort with rebuilts and they've had no problems at all.

Make sure you replace the transaxle seal to if you replace the axle.

 

Raxles is a good place to get new ones. Reasonable prices.

 

I have used the bolt together type, but they are hard to put on and don't seal as well as the solid ones. I pulled the axle and replaced the boot with a solid one. Worked well.

 

Well, if the axles are that new, I'd prob scrub the split with alcohol real well and use something like silicone sealant or Goop on it (the outside). CV joints don't just fail (normally) you'll have plenty of warning if it needs replacement.