Yesterday I found a front outer axle boots has split (98 Forester L). I haven't had a chance to get under it and take a close look, but I *think* the axle is still OK.

 

I looked through the manual last night - looks like pulling the while thing apart would take me more time than I can spend on it right now 8(

I'm handy, but not a master mechanic - is there an easier way to replace an outer boot?

 

We've got another car, and can get by without using the Forester as a commuter. It probably WILL have to do grocery/home depot runs before I can get to it though. Is there a "quick boot" kit that will fit the Forester? If the axle's still good, I'd rather pay for a band-aid than risk burning it.

 

Thanks!

Don't bother replacing the boot. Who knows how long it's been contaminated. Either drive around as it stands or have the entire halfshaft replaced.

Id do it soon, i think if the CV's overheat, because they dont have any lubrication, they take the wheel bearings with it.

Yah replacing the half shafts with rebuilt units is probably the way to go. Only if you know for a fact it hasn't been torn too long and didn't get any grit etc up in there can the boots just be replaced. The half-boots aren't very reliable from what I've seen.

 

Anyway, if you go with rebuilt half shafts, I've heard MWE does a nice job. The chain store rebuilts might come with a lifetime warranty but it's still your labor to R&R the things if they fail once a year.

Ditto. It's not worth your time to replace the boot. Once ANY grit or other foreign objects get into that joint, it WILL self-destruct in a matter of time.

The axle is very easy to change, I done my first one by the instructions in the Haynes manuel. Just make sure to looosen the axle nut (very little) before jacking car up.

Uhhhmmm. It seems I'm a bit dyslexic. I climbed under this morning and thought the axle boot fairy had paid us a visit overnight. Then I realized it's the *inner* boot that split. Still lots of grease, and not filthy.

 

So, I'll rephrase the question:

 

Is there a front *inner* quick boot (split boot / 2 piece boot / whatever) that will fit a 98 Forester?

 

I agree with everyone that a reman axle would be better, but about all I've got time for right now is a quick boot. If it buys me a couple or three months then its worth the $15.

 

Thanks

Oh heck if you just want it to last 3 months then do nothing; there's people who put 50,000 miles on them with ripped boots, sure they start clicking a bit, but the inner one doesn't have to handle the sharp bends in turns or anything. You can probably find a half/split boot I would guess at any chain parts store or maybe at rockauto.