CV joint boots split

[tommy914]

MY 2000 Boxster S with 32,000 miles on it. It appears that one inner CV joint boot is completely split, and the other is cracked. Is this normal for them to wear out this fast? Can the boots just be replaced? What is the estimated cost?

thanks

Tommy

[deliriousga]

MY 2000 Boxster S with 32,000 miles on it. It appears that one inner CV joint boot is completely split, and the other is cracked. Is this normal for them to wear out this fast? Can the boots just be replaced? What is the estimated cost?

thanks

Tommy

The boots cracking depends on climate, use, etc. If the car sits a lot, they're more likely to dry rot more and split. It's normal so don't worry about it, but replace them asap so you don't damage the joints.

The boots can be replaced, but if you pay someone to do it you may be better off getting the whole thing replaced by the time you pay for labor to change the boots. If you DIY it, you'll probably spend around $80-$100 for the parts.

[tommy914]

The boots cracking depends on climate, use, etc. If the car sits a lot, they're more likely to dry rot more and split. It's normal so don't worry about it, but replace them asap so you don't damage the joints.

It just seemed a little early for boot failure. According to service records for the Boxster, the RMS was replaced before I bought it. I wonder if the boots were damaged during R&R of the tranny.

My only other experience with Porsche CV joint boots is in my 1973 914. I haven't replaced them in 20 years and I suspect they are original.

Tommy

[Highlander]

If you look at the geometry of the rear half-shaft on a Boxster S, the rear hub sits behind and below the output shaft of the transmission. This puts a lot of stress on the CV boot. Based my experience, 40k miles is a bout the service life of the boots :(

The DIY is not terribly difficult. If you are comfortable working on the suspension, then this job is just a little more involved. There is a lot of labor involved so it will be an expensive fix if you have to get a dealer or independant shop to do it. I looked into simply replacing the half-shafts themseves when I did mine, but they are about $700 each!

Since you have a split in the boot, you should get it seen to reasonably soon before too much dust and dirt gets in there and wears out the joints.

Graeme

[tommy914]

thanks for the feedback.

I was quoted $900 at the dealership, so I'll probably give it a try on my own first.

Tommy

[rodsnhawgs]

thanks for the feedback.

I was quoted $900 at the dealership, so I'll probably give it a try on my own first.

Tommy

Two things to keep in mind:

1. The outside axle retaining nut torques to 340 ft lbs - be sure to use impact an grade socket and extension

2. Be sure to torque the inner joint bolts to the proper specs for your car - you need to dbl check me, but if memory serves correctly, the 8mm bolts torque to 29 and the 10mm bolts to 60 ft lbs