YACT: Torn CV boot on my Impreza - Drive it until failure or replace both now?

[Viper GTS]

Took my car in for its annual inspection yesterday & the mechanics discovered a torn CV boot on one of my front axles. Now I know this isn't an emergency, I drove my last car for a year and a half & then sold it with a torn boot. Worked fine even after all that abuse.

I care a lot more about this car though, is it worth replacing both (damaged + pre-emptive on the other) or should I just drive it until it causes problems? I don't know how long it's been torn, it's been a few months since I had it on a rack for tire rotation & they didn't mention anything then.

Total cost is roughly $250 for both installed ($110 + $20 return shipping from cvaxles, $110 labor).

Anything else I should have them do while they're at it (if/when I have it done)?

Viper GTS

 

[Heisenberg]

I'd replace the half-shaft on the torn one, but I wouldn't replace the other one if it's fine.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I'd replace the half-shaft on the torn one, but I wouldn't replace the other one if it's fine.

Any particular reason? I figure they're probably the same age, & the boots that aren't already split are definitely aging (dry cracks, etc.).

I could just buy the boots & have them repack the other side but the cost difference really isn't much. Might be $40 difference if the labor was the same.

Viper GTS

 

[Reel]

I had 2 cracked that I drove for about 4 years until they made the sound. I was always advised that you drive until it makes the clicking sound. At that point, you should start considering replacing them. Until then, you are premature. If this is not common advice, my car has not seemed to suffer any ill effects from it.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Yeah I am drive it till it needs replaced guy. Its too much of a pain in the butt to replace the boots when a whole axle is only $70 and comes with a lifetime warranty. Then if you do replace the boot it may already have a bunch of dirt in it and die anyway.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I'd replace the half-shaft on the torn one, but I wouldn't replace the other one if it's fine.

Any particular reason? I figure they're probably the same age, & the boots that aren't already split are definitely aging (dry cracks, etc.).

I could just buy the boots & have them repack the other side but the cost difference really isn't much. Might be $40 difference if the labor was the same.

Viper GTS

I wouldn't mess with the other one as long as it isn't torn as there's no need to. It might last quite a while and won't cause a major failure if it does tear, so the cost/benefit ratio of preventatively replacing it just isn't that high. Replacing the half-shaft is just as much of a PITA as replacing and repacking the boot, plus the price difference isn't that much and you get a whole new unit.