The Bay Area always smells like shit..

I would install a new boot, because the replacement axles have suspect quality. The original factory axles are high quality.

http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-su … explained/

Last edited by 2old2rocknroll (2012-04-17 08:07:43)

2old2rocknroll wrote:

I would install a new boot, because the replacement axles have suspect quality. The original factory axles are high quality.

http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-su … explained/

An article on why replacing boots is a better idea than the whole axle, coming from a repair shop... Riiiiiight. 

It takes more labor time to replace a boot, and less parts $$$. Ideal situation for any small repair shop/facility. Of course they would try to convince you of this. It makes them more money (labor is where most shops make their money)!

Granted, aftermarket axles are an unknown quality/quantity, but they are much cheaper (sometimes to the magnitude of 4-5 times!!!). I think that as others have done, a comparison of the old axle vs. the new axle should obviously take place before installing the new one. Make note of the components of the replacement piece before installing it. If it's not the same, don't use it!

For years, the auto parts industry has been selling and re-selling re-manufactured components for years. Axles are no different.

Also, take into consideration that once a boot is split, the clock is ticking for that joint. ANY dirt, grime, water, sand, etc. that has entered that C/V joint is already degrading the bearings inside of it. I would only ever replace just a boot if the bellows were discovered to be cracked, but not yet breached.

With a new/re-manufactured axle, you get new grease, new joints/bearings, and new rubber boots. With boot replacement, you have more labor (time to R&R the axle and R&R the boot. In the end, you still have the same axle/joints, etc., and are at the mercy of the tech took it apart that he/she properly cleaned the joint, and installed the correct type and amount of grease.

Last edited by krazykarguy (2012-04-17 12:53:16)

It's not the cost of the boot. It's the cost of your personal time. What's your time worth?

You'll spend ~2 hours doing just an axle removal/replacement. Whether or not you do just the boot, this is required labor time.

If, by chance, you have the special C/V boot clamp pliers, you'll spend an additional hour removing the old boot, cleaning the joint and bearings, and replacing the grease & boot. This additional hour does not include the clean up time that is involved. If you've never dealt with C/V grease, you're in for a treat!

Who is to say that the bearings in his axle haven't been contaminated with FOD, and will fail after replacing just the boot?

Having done both boot replacements and axle replacements, I vastly prefer a reman axle over a boot replacement.

If you search around long enough, you'll find people who had a fine experience with cardone, and a bad experience with cardone; a fine experience with EMPI, and a bad experience with EMPI; and most everyone has a fine experience with Subaru parts.

If you're willing to shell out the cash, the best option is probably a subaru axle.  But they are big bucks.

I went with the Cardone Select axle (which is new, not reman'd). I drove mine around last night for about 15 minutes, including taking it up to 70 mph, and driving it down the steepest/curviest street in SF, and it was fine.  Hopefully it'll hold up; time will tell. 

The concern I've read with rebooting the axle is that (like KKG mentioned) crap can get into the axle.  There's no way of telling when it opened up and started exposing the joint to the elements.  All you know is when the hole got big enough and you went fast enough to really sling the grease out. 

Another option is post #25 in the second thread I linked to above.

I did some more reading around on NASIOC, and EMPI axles seem to be more popular than the Cardone axles over there.  Just FYI.

Thanks to all for your input on this matter  .

Krazykarguy and kornfeld, you guys are right and I think that I will go ahead and just replace the whole axle. I looked around and for about $100 I can get both front axles. I don't remember the brand that was listed but I will definitely keep in mind what you mentioned kornfeld. Also, the thread on how to loosen the nut is excellent. The jack is a good idea for that especially since I don't have an impact wrench. 

Also, after reading some more I think that I will loosen the struts so that I can get the axle out. Heck I just changed the struts (and let me tell you I had some trouble removing those bolts  ) so the bolts are still easy to remove. 

As always and again, thanks for the help from all of you. 

FYI....don't order from partsgeek.com.  Details here:

http://saab92x.com/viewtopic.php?pid=674477#p674477