Peabody <waybackNO784SPAM44@yahoo.com> wrote in news:1iHhh.2500$RJ.1916
@newsfe17.lga:

> Tegger says...
>
> > If the joints are OEM it is definitely worth just
> > replacing the boot -- IF the joint is still OK. You need
> > to have an *experienced* mechanic listen for clicking
> > from the joint.
>
> > And even if the joint passes the listen-test, it will
> > still need to be inspected thoroughly once disassembled
> > and cleaned to make sure the balls and races are not
> > chipped or dented in any way.
>
> Yes, this is all OEM. The car is 12 years old, but only
> has 53K miles on it. I'm just now replacing the original
> tires and front brakes.
>
> > If the joint is OEM and passes both inspections, replace
> > BOTH boots with NEW OEM, NOT aftermarket! New OEM is
> > more expensive, but the new OEM boots last well over ten
> > years, and your OEM joints will outlast them. And if one
> > side is torn now, it's a sure bet the other won't be far
> > behind.
>
> What about the inner boots? Do they not usually fail as
> fast? The mechanic didn't say anything about them, and I
> don't think I can see them.
>
>
>



The inner boots will outlast the outers by several times. The inner boots
don't undergo the steering stresses that kill the outer boots. It's not a
boad idea to repack the inners with grease once every ten years, though.

If your OEM outer joints are still good, it would be *very* wise of you to
retain them, with new OEM boots (about $40 each, plus the bands and
grease). OEM CV joints are exceedingly high-quality.

The new OEM boots will last a dozen years easily, so this may be the last
you'll ever have to be concerned about the driveshafts.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/