Can someone tell me why I should be worried.
replacing cv boot
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New User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3
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replacing cv boot
i have a tear on my outer cv boot. snow is coming soon so i want to replace it asap. i have a 00 f150 4x4 5.4l v8. how dificult is the process? can i use a split type boot?? i also heard of putting silicon on it the tear for a temporary fix. how long can i rely on the silicon repair?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
I punctured mine 8 years ago and patched it with silicone and it's still holding. A tear may be a little more difficult. When I did replace my boots, I replaced the entire half shaft since I didn't have any luck with the aftermarket boots that where available. Jackstands, 1/2 drive sockets and some grunt will get the job done.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,038
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From: Olathe
Just wondering why is the CV boot considered so important? I have completely lost the outer CV boot on my truck and besides a minor squeaking noise at low speed is there no problems for at least year maybe even 2 years.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 695
Likes: 4
If you are going to try and fix it, just replace the whole axle shaft. You will save a lot of work and only spend a little more money. Especially if the boot has been torn for longer than a short time, you need to replace the whole thing because you get dirt and water in there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 0
From: Olathe
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 2
From: Pelahatchie, MS
A mechanic buddy of mine (owns a shop) says the usable, salvagable lifespan of a CV axle after a boot is busted is about 8 hours of driving. After that, no point in trying to save it, it's too far gone.
To venture a guess why you've went this long without a catastrophic failure (the joint completely breaking) is that your truck is primarily a rear wheel drive vehicle. As it is, those joints just turn with no torque applied. If you were applying torque to that joint on a regular basis at highway speeds, it would likely have failed by now. It is a definite concern that you should address soon.
As far as your grasp of mechanics, I look at this way - It takes a village. Everyone on this site complements each other by having different viewpoints. Even the best mechanic could learn a thing or two, and the worst could have a unique opinion that fits the bill perfectly.
Now go get a CV axle before that thing breaks and tears up your truck.
To venture a guess why you've went this long without a catastrophic failure (the joint completely breaking) is that your truck is primarily a rear wheel drive vehicle. As it is, those joints just turn with no torque applied. If you were applying torque to that joint on a regular basis at highway speeds, it would likely have failed by now. It is a definite concern that you should address soon.
As far as your grasp of mechanics, I look at this way - It takes a village. Everyone on this site complements each other by having different viewpoints. Even the best mechanic could learn a thing or two, and the worst could have a unique opinion that fits the bill perfectly.
Now go get a CV axle before that thing breaks and tears up your truck.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 2
From: Pelahatchie, MS
I don't think it would've saved you any money on labor, just down time without the truck. You thought about doing the work yourself?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,038
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From: Olathe
Honestly yes I have thought about it but as seeing as the truck is my sole source of transportation I can't risk me not doing the job right the first time due to inexperience. I know its a rock and a hard place.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
You can do the half shaft job in a day on the front axle. Just be sure you have the right size socket for the big nut on the axle. Find a friend who can help you out with tools and wrench skills and the job is easy then.
Dude, you're in KS!!!!! Did you know that the local chapter here would be more than happy to help you out? Kansas Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Dude, you're in KS!!!!! Did you know that the local chapter here would be more than happy to help you out? Kansas Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, ID
Deffinitly doable - just break all the bolts loose that you can ahead of time, like the brake caliper bolts, axle nut, and ball joint/tie rod bolts. get the biggest breaker bar you can get if you dont' have an air compressor and impact wrench and just break the bolts loose (get them to budge a little) before you jack it up, then your job will be much easier. If you look for the thread "how to do ball joints" you'll see pictures of the steering knuckle and how the CV shaft goes through there - that and a chiltons manual will get you started with how it should come apart/go together. You'll save a TON on labor and its not TOO bad! Get a friend for help and moral support if you like. I'll second everyone else that you better go and replace it before it turns to shrapnel and tears up other things when it lets loose. Git er done and Go for it! Good luck!