99 R50 front Axle boots torn, dirty, no clicking

[fbcbeer]

I searched before posting, but just want general opinions. I'll make it short.

-1999 4x4 Pathfinder R50 with 130,000 miles and torn front axle boots on both sides.
-No clicking, but dirty inside, no rust/corrosion, etc, just dirt/mud
-Mechanic quoted $360+tax to replace both fronts.
-2nd opinion mechanic said I could leave it alone and not replace them until they start to click/make noise.

I dont hear any clicking and dont have drivability problems, so can I continue to drive on them for a while? The mechanic said they wouldnt take the car on more than a 50 mile trip, but I just came back from a 700 mile trip, no issues.

Basically, what are the next problems in line after the boots tear?

Im figuring they are all steel parts, so they shouldnt break for a while.

Thanks!

[skiski329]

I had one broken and was charged about $500, then with a coupon i brought it down to about $400. (done at the dealer, they were doing the strut recall and gave me a nice murano as a loaner for 4 days this was being done so i didn't complain too much). What i was told, is that the boot contains grease that keeps the axel greased up. he told me it was a labor intensive process and that is where the majority of the cost came from. not to mention very greasy and dirty. He explained it as having to flip the boot inside out and simular to putting on a sock. In the end i decided to let the dealer to do it because the pathy was already there and it's cheaper then risking damage to the axel. Reading through the forum, i vaguely remember someone saying they know how to do the boots and can help, hopefully they will be able to chime in and help you out more.

[Slumpert]

CV joints do not last long once the boot opens and the grease starts getting contaminated. While "clicking" sounds are a common indicator they have become midly damaged, then wih contiuned usage they likely will turn into clanking and then at any point complete failure up too snapping apart..

Also possible they can overheat and deform and then break without going though the "sounds"

If little to no damage has occured, repacking with grease and fitting a CV joint repair boot may give you lots of extra time on it.