2008+ altima, don't ignore a leaky axle boot

[rcboy514]

Just putting out a little PSA from a recent experience at the dealer.

Noticed little spots of grease on the inside of my drivers front wheel when rotating the tires. Saw that it was coming from the rubber axle boot. Took the car in and they said they can't change just the boot, but it needed a new axle assembly. Luckily I still had 2 months left on the 5 year drivetrain warranty because the bill would have been about $600.

Thought I should share, I figured it would just be a $20 piece of rubber, but that wasn't the case lol

Here is what a leaky boot looks like, and pic of my wheel.







new axle

[AlexN09]

Wow, good on you for catching that! Glad to see you on the forums again.

[rcboy514]

Thanks man! Yeah, I've been off for a couple months, but I'm still loving the altima. In fact, just took it on a sunday drive turned 300+ mile cruise lol Was having too much fun to stop, might post a few pics later.

Other than that, I've just been busy with my old bmw project and work. Taken a few road/camping trips since I was last on here and generally just trying to enjoy life.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

I actually have this problem. I noticed it a short while ago. Glad to see that they took care of it for you. I'll have to bring it in

[rcboy514]

Awesome, glad to help

[alphapig]

I tore the crap out of my passenger side inner boot while hitting the mountains with a friend.

Grease splurged everywhere.

Drove about 2 months, then replaced it with a refurbished axle.

...The refurb cost $50, with $50 core charge, and the installation cost $150.

DO NOT go to the dealer unless it's under warranty.

[armandescobar]

the dealership closest to my house replaced just the boot, it's been less than 30 days and the new one is torn. they refuse to cover it since my car is lowered, even though the dealership 45 minutes away could care less if i'm lowered and said they'd replace the whole axle instead of just the boot (which they said was outrageous). the one closer has refused to cover anything wrong with my car, even when it was stock.

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

Yeah bad CV boots usually result in needing a new CV axle in most cases, because by the time it's been discovered (assuming the owner only ever takes it in for service as soon as the next oil change) the grease is gone and the metal to metal parts wear down quick.

After having to work on a couple of used car suspension/axle parts since selling my coupe, I can say with some confidence that I would NEVER pay $600 for 1 CV joint service and rather do it myself for less than 1/3 the cost. I'd rather buy the part myself and take it to Joe Diddle around the corner or even look up youtube DIY video on how to get it done myself. Sure it'll be a nightmare or close to it the first time, but the learning experience and money saved pay for themselves.

[Importroller]

If you have a manual, it's even more expensive to fix. The axles are over $600 each, and you can't get replacements at a parts store since no one makes them. You have to go to the dealer, or find a set from a junk yard

[rcboy514]

The axle for my CVT was about $600 on the invoice, luckily it was a warranty item.

[seldomseen]

The axle for my CVT was about $600 on the invoice, luckily it was a warranty item.

If the cost was only $600 for parts and labor that really ain't expensive when you keep matters in perspective. Nonetheless, you made out well with warranty coverage. How many miles did your car have and was it lowered?

[el_blacky06]

Dang 600 bucks? Idk if I got lucky but my friend had ordered it online for me for 130 shipped for the cv boot passenger side. I installed it myself

[normmynorm]

I tore the crap out of my passenger side inner boot while hitting the mountains with a friend.

Grease splurged everywhere.

Drove about 2 months, then replaced it with a refurbished axle.

...The refurb cost $50, with $50 core charge, and the installation cost $150.

DO NOT go to the dealer unless it's under warranty.

Have a small tear in my driver side outer boot. Is it possible to replace the boot and add the grease or oil? Or, will this always have to be replaced?

How did you go about refurbing the parts?

[Bori83]

Anyone here purchase their CV Halfs from Rockauto for 08 manual transmission?
THX