Hey all,
I've read through a bunch of threads on this site and others about what to do when a CV boot goes bad. I won't ask for a recap here - I'm just interested in knowing people's preferences as to either installing a new boot, or just popping in a new axle. More specifically, what is appropriate for my skill level (pretty damn low, though not clueless)?
It's for a Spirit R/T. I had some trouble getting the old struts out when installing new struts and springs, so after PB Blaster and a breaker bar failed, I broke out the blowtorch. I tried to be very careful, but melted just a bit (really, a TINY bit) of the outmost rib of the CV boot. I think that's where the leak is. The hole is not visible to the naked eye, at least not MY naked eye. But what is visible is the nice coating of grease on the inside of the wheel rim, on the ball joint, etc. My reason for mentioning this is that I think that there is little likelihood that the CV joint has gotten contaminated. There's certainly none of that death-knell ticking.
I've heard that the stock axles are pretty beefy, so I'd like to save this one if I can. However, if it's going to be a huge pain in the rear to install a new boot, maybe I'll just replace the whole axle. Does anyone have any experience with the Dorman axles mentioned in the alternate parts sticky in the TIII section?
Thanks in advance for your help.