Split CV repair boot?

[mtsmiths]

Are split repair CV boots available for late models, '06 Outback PAX
side boot is torn. Local Stealership wants over $300.00 to repair boot!I
live in condo so can't get away with pulling a wheel to replace an OEM
boot, but I CAN get away with cutting the old one off, and slipping on a
split boot.

 

CV isn't making any noise, so should be able to get away with simple boot repair.

 

Also posted in products forum

Edited July 24, 2013 by mtsmiths

[WoodsWagon]

Every split boot I have tried sucked.

 

I have heard of people buying a normal boot, cutting it with a razor, then gluing it together and having that work better? I don't know what adhesive they used.

[ellets]

 I have found that  the  only split boots that are ang good are the ones that are held together with a row of bolts.

They work and last a while. I am on 4years on a set on front of my Luv 4x4.

 Google bolt together cv boots.

[mtsmiths]

Need inner PAX side boot. I've found several on-line, but NONE of them specifiy for which model, year, etc. Are they all the same or something, I know Subarus are built on the LEGO model, but?

Edited July 24, 2013 by mtsmiths

[idosubaru]

did you ask the dealer to reboot the axle rather than replace it?

 

as a rule they replace the axle, so you have to tell them to reboot it - the procedures are in Subaru's own Factory Service Manuals so it's an expected and reasonable repair, no matter what they say.  All of us that work on Subaru's extensively favor rebooting and you get a better end product by avoiding the aftermarket/rebuilt scene.

 

get an independent mechanic to do it, Subaru axles are nothing special.

 

the Subaru boots are higher quality though so may want to favor those if you get an independent to do it.

 

ask them to reboot it, $50 in parts and labor is only an hour - though they may charge you for two hours. once the wheel is off it only
requires removing one bolt and one nut to remove the axle, and knocking the pin out.  2 fasteners and a pin, not hard.
 

another option is to get a used axle, install the boots yourself (since you can't work "outside") and then take it to a shop to install.

[matt167]

Just take your car to an Advance Auto or whatever and do it right there. It's kinda common place at those places. Even buy their boots, or oil or something just so you are a 'customer'... I didn't know quick boots were even still available. Thought they went away years ago.

[idosubaru]

i'm almost positive the newer style boots (2001+) can be installed on older legacy's. i'm pretty sure i've done it before, but the entire axles can also swap....been awhile and been too many to recall if i've swapped axles, boots, or both...i know i've done a ton of axles and think boots as well.

 

the older split boots have a good chance of working on newer cars, someone else surely knows.

 

if you go to replace it or have a shop do it eventually - use the Subaru boots they generally last longer.

 

when is your timing belt due, let me know and i'll rent a house and fly over.  i already have tickets to book when i get a chance.  i'll rent a house and do your axles...though we were thinking Maui this time.

 

i've stayed in a couple houses south of Kona.  flying into that airport is awesome - all that black lava field!

[BoxerRebellion]

It's been a few weeks since anyone's posted here, though I'll still chime in.

 

Using my wild and powerful imagination...

The only use I could see for a "split boot" would be as an emergency repair in the middle of the tundra.

Having no tools or feasible way to service the axle.

 

Much stress and weathering is put on those boots.

Temperature, movement, road debris.

And if you really do live in HI, salt.

Which has the expansive power to chew through anything.

 

The boots have a big job to do, holding in all that grease.

A split boot, is a short cut I personally would avoid.

 

Take it to a buddy's, take it to a parking lot, take it somewhere.

Bring the tools, the towels, gloves and the grease.

Or drop the bones to have a shop do it.

 

Hope it all comes together.