It certainly sounds like a backyard mechanic shop to me..

I am pretty sure the picklefork method of removing ball joints and such is
an antique one...the preferred method if I am not mistaken, is to use a
separate which is basically a gear puller.. I would hold the knuckle and
push up on the threaded end of the joint. This would separate them wihout
damage.

Those boots need to be fixed. I would not worry about what how to fix them
because that is the shop's responsibility. I wouldn't worry about the other
items.

CaptainKrunch


"Jingyuan" <zhangaj@aol.com> wrote in message
news:e5ccbd66.0408271559.94a4091@posting.google.co m...
> Hello, everyone,
>
> Today I just have my both CV axles replaced by a local shop (listed as
> Axle Specialist on the phone book). A pickle fork was used to separate
> the ball joints. Unfortunately, as a result, the right balljoint dust
> boot is split and the left one is damaged. My questions to you are
>
> 1. Is it ok to leave it split?
> 2. If not, can I just replace the dust boot or the whole ball joint
> needs to be repalced?
>
> The shop rebuilt the axles by themseves. They reused spindle nuts on
> my car, which were partially broken when unstaking them, but they
> staked at another position.
> 3. Is this practice acceptable?
>
> I am not sure if they reused the spring clips at the inner ends.
>
> Your response is greatly appreciated, and my car is 92 accord DX auto.
>
> Jingyuan