Mechanical Advice Please (Truck)

[DriftPunch]

I have an '88 S10 4WD with 174,000 miles on it as my beater. That mileage in itself may amaze most people!

When changing the oil this weekend I noticed that one of the front CV boots has been slinging grease all over the place. I didn't see any rips, but one has to be there. (the grease was white)

I have no idea how long it has been running like that (probably < 2,000) nor do I know how much grease remains in the boot. Unlike a front weel drive car, these joints just coast along all the time until the 4 wheel drive is engaged. How much damage could have occured by coasting that CV joint along for 2,000 miles dry? It may be that I just have to replace the boot. My thought is that with that many miles, any mechanic is just going to say, "replace the unit!"

Any experience?

[wwwtimmcp]

we had a ford elite go 198,000 miles and nobody wanted to drive it(it was still running when we sold it)my 1989 f 150 4x4 went over 250,000 it was still running when I sold it. nope not surprised at all. check the cv joint for slop forward-reverse if the joint is still tight just replace the boot. sometimes something gets hung up under your truck and it tears the boot.

[CAMPYBOB]

buy the 2-piece (screw together type) boot.

repack cv joint after check against opposite side for slop.

install boot and clamps.

[thanatos2]

Most split boots used for repairs that come into my shop have failed quickly. You have LITTLE time driving with a dry CV joint before the ball bearing start trying to jump out of their cages. If you hear ANY clicking while turning a corner, you have destroyed the joint.

Reman axle shaft are about $50 wholesale. If you are taking the axle out to replace the boot PROPERLY, it is MUCH less work to replace the axle than to tear it down to replace the boot.

$50 bucks ain't much to do a job properly, especially when the boot will cost you $15 > $20, and then you have to pull the CV joint, clean and inspect it (knowing what you are looking for), and repack it with that "baby shit" grease.

p.s. ~ look closely in the creases in the boot, a small tear is sufficient to sling that grease. 175,000 miles is pretty good mileage on a CV boot!

[Jed]

Just a tip buy a haynes manual for your vehicle.

[CAMPYBOB]

hmmmm. i used to fix my v-dubs with those things. never had a problem with longevity of repair.

[HDR]

For the S series it is a boot with a zipper.. ;)

Probably not as much articulation in VW suspension as the 4WD.

I put one on a S-10 blazer.. It lasted but I did put another on later, the second lasted better..
So it is a hit or miss proposition.

Looking at the dollars or your time?? You chance replacing a zipper in a year or two.. Depending on how much more life you expect from the vehicle etc...

A your choicer, ;)

PS-
I had 2 S series blazers.
Watch the seal in the front diff also.. Major PITA for a home mechanic to swap diffs. :eek:

[thanatos2]

Having replaced literally thousands of CV joint boots, my perspective MIGHT be slightly different than most people whose limited experience prompts them to seek advice. NOTHING DEMEANING MEANT THERE! ...just a statement of fact. My response comes from the perspective of having cleaned up after so many who didn't REALLY know what they were doing when they took it apart.

We regularly see S-10 Blazers with over 300,000 miles on them... depended on where they are diven, how they are driven, and how they are maintained/repaired. Most people who put on the "quick-fix" boots mess it up, and come in to have us repair it. AGAIN... not a flame, or intentional demeaning, but from the perspective of someone who made a living at cleaning up messes. MOST people do not have the CV joint tools to replace a proper boot. My response was from the perspective of advising the BEST repair, with the least headache... and NOT making anything from the sale. :D

Good luck!

[DriftPunch]

Thanks guys!

I won't be doing this myself. I'm not necessarily afraid of such work, but I don't have a garage. Anything started needs to be completed in the same day. Time is also an issue.

It seems that a replacement joint won't be that much more expensive than a replacement boot alone. There are no clicking noises as of yet, but being that this isn't a powered wheel, you never know.

As far as mileage, did I mention that mine is one of the 2.8 liter engines.

[AKDUDE47]

Hmmm Im having a similar problem on a S10 4wd. its a 89. When you go around corners or hit a bump, it makes sorta a knocking noise on the right passenger side of the vehical. Its been to three diff places to be checked, and no one can find the problem.
Possible CV boot failure?

[thanatos2]

If it is a clicking sound when you are turning, with the wheel rolling, even on smooth pavement, then it is likely the ball bearings inside the CV joint attempting to jump out of their cage. If it is hitting a bump, then it is something else, and balljoints/control arm bushing come to mind. The upper control arm bushings have an essentric on them for aligning (setting camber and caster), might check to be certain that they are tight. These things SHOULD have been discovered by any competent repair shop.

Tear in the boot is not going to make noise, but the damage to the joint inside by running w/o grease eventually will.

Try to isolate EXACTLY when it makes the noise... makes it MUCH easier to diagnose from across the country.

Again... good luck!