Rep Power: 268

My front CV joint, when looking inside the outbound boot, looks like it is covered in oil. I don't know if this is normal, but the boot is obviously seperated all the way around, and there is oil all around the wheel area. I need to replace the boot, but I'm not sure how difficult it is. Also, there is a rattle sound in the same area. When I bought the car, the top of the shock, when looking at the engine, was covered in oil, as if the shock burst and came out the top. I imagine the sound is happening because of the shock.

I looked in the shop manual to get an idea, and it seems I need a ball joint remover to get to the boot, or am I wrong? If I'm right, how much does this tool cost? Damn, it's always a can of worms...

 
Rep Power: 306

yes, you will need a ball joint remover. as for the cost, i'm not sure. but, to me, it would seem irrational to buy a ball joint remover, especially if changing a CV joint is a rare occurance. if i were you, i'd check with the local auto supply stores to see if they have one for rent instead.

 
Rep Power: 268

Thanks. Yeah, kragen or autozone has them.

I ended up taking the split boot and joining it. I cut it around with scissors to remove excess, and then slipped the large hump over the small hump. Poked holes for the nylon tie to go through, then secured it. I used 8 ties. Don't ask, it just works, and I wouldn't recommend it since it's a bitch. I'm broke right now you see...

 
Rep Power: 348

All you need to do on that part is hit the lower control arm with a hammer next to the ball joint and at the same time stick a pry bar in between to give it some pressure

 
Rep Power: 0

yup, my wifes accord recently had the same thing happen. There was a little vibration because both the inner and outer joints were wearing. It doesnt cost too much to just replace the whole transaxle, which comes with a new boot and joints.

 
Rep Power: 268

The other boot on the other side is about to go soon. I will replace both boots when the time comes. Do the inner ones ever need to be replaces?

 
Rep Power: 0

Our her accord, the boots on the outside split just like that, but i could feel that the cv's were going out. On her accord, there are the outer and inner cv's, which both needed replaced. Runs smooth with no slinging of grease.

 
Rep Power: 0

man that sucks!. Hey, exactly how does a CV joint BOOT go bad like that anyways?. Do any of you guys know how or why they just go bad and break? would the way you drive have anything to do with it?. and would someone benefit from touching them up by jacking the car up and washing them with soap and water then hitting them up with rubber softener/conditioner?

 
Rep Power: 268

The rubber dries out, then when you work the boot, it starts to crack, eventually splitting. What I would do if you want to prolong their life is, every year put a lite coat of motor oil all around it, which absorbs into the rubber.

 
Rep Power: 348

Inner ones rarely go compared to the outter ones cuz they dont flex as you make turns they stay stationary thats why rwd cars rarely go bad compared to fwd...

IM not sure if theres anyway to prevent it from happening again cuz I just had mines replaced like 2 months ago and now it has a puncture on it throwing grease all over the rim. Most likely I hit something on the frwy.. I would recommend getting an OEM boot kit for better quality which I got replacing it the 2nd time....they are around $30 each and it comes with everything, grease, axle pin, and axle nut.....

 
Rep Power: 301

spray them with silicone spray every once in a while and they wont crack.

 
Rep Power: 268

Where did you buy your kit?

 
Rep Power: 348

Dealers!!!

 
Rep Power: 0

I think that S100 makes a rubber conditioner called "Engine Brightener". It's supposed to be for plastics, rubbers, (some painted metals) and the engine cases for a motorcycle (mainly Harley Davidson). It's pretty cool stuff!.