'02 Olds Bravada, Front Axle


The physical condition of both the Inner & Outer CV boots is good....no cracks. However, the Inner CV boots on both sides are spitting out grease from the inside edge (clamp side). One mechanic tells me to replace the CV boots or the half-shafts NOW, Another mechanic tells me to drive it until I start hearing noises (he says could be 1-2 years)and THEN replace the half shafts.


My question is.....is it possible to take off the clamps, peel back the boots, put in more grease, and put on new clamps?


If not, if I drive it until it starts making noise is there a possibility of causing damage to anything else?


Thanks in advance for any help!

 

how many miles are on the ride and how many more do you want to put on the ride? any clunk noise coming from the front end when you shift from drive to reverse? i think there is a reboot kit available. there again answer the first two questions before buying boot kits.

 

102,000 miles, no noises at all.I'd like to keep it for another 15-20K (1-2 years for me)There is a boot kit, however, I'm told the half-shafts are only $50 more per side and the labor is about 3.5 hours whether you replace the boots or whether you replace the half-shafts.

 

i called carquest this am and the boot kits are $15 per side. what is your mechanics hourly rate . an experience mechanic at an independent garage may charge less than a gm dealership.

 

I had the same thing happen to my 2000 Impala. Buy a can of CV joint grease and a clamp. The boots can be peeled back without hurting them. It's not a big job, I did mine in the driveway. It is easier if you jack the car up though.


The clamp Autozone had for the Impala was the wrong one, so I ended up using two screw clamps, and put the screw parts on opposite sides for balance. It hasn't leaked since, and that was 6 months ago.


If you do decide to replace the boot, for sure buy the halfshafts also. It is cheap compared to the labor cost.