Front Axles v.s CV Boots (1997 Honda Civic)

Hey, I've got a 1997 Honda Civic DX 4D Sedan. I'd recently noticed "popping"
noises that occur occasionally when I make sharp turns. I went to two
different mechanics... the first said I needed C.V. boots replaced because
some dirt had accumulated and they were in bad shape. The second said I
should get both axles replaced because something (I forget what) was torn.
Does anyone know what the approximate difference in price is between getting
the CV boots and getting the left and right axles replaced? I'm a bit
skeptical about getting the whole axle replaced because the first mechanic
told me other mechanics might tell me that I need to get the entire axle
replaced which wouldn't be necessary in his view but maybe the second
mechanic saw something the first one didn't see.

I'm also wondering about ordering auto parts off the internet. I know next
to nothing about my car, but I've heard you can save money by maybe ordering
parts yourself off the internet and then paying the mechanic for labor only.
Would this be wise or should I just let the mechanic take care of the whole
process. And are there any good web sites where I'd be able to order auto
parts (specifically the parts I've mentioned in this post) at a good price
online?? Thanks for any advice!!

Maria

 

If you hear popping sound from the joint then you cv joint is bad.
Just replacing the boot will not fix it. You may waiting until the
noise got louder since you will have to replacing it anyway.

If you buy a cv joint on internet you will have to mail back your old
one after you are done to get your core deposit back. Unless you are
buying a genuine Honda rebuilt one then you will not save much by
ordering on internet after paying all the shipping cost.

Why not try autozone. They have rebuilt cv axles for about $80 plus
deposit. They come with lifetime warrenty too.

 

|> Hey, I've got a 1997 Honda Civic DX 4D Sedan. I'd recently noticed "popping"
|> noises that occur occasionally when I make sharp turns. I went to two
|> different mechanics... the first said I needed C.V. boots replaced because
|> some dirt had accumulated and they were in bad shape.

Replace the joint. just replacing the boots is a waste of time.

|> should get both axles replaced because something (I forget what) was torn.

Just replace the one(s) that has a torn boot.

|> Does anyone know what the approximate difference in price is between getting|> I'm also wondering about ordering auto parts off the internet. I know next
|> to nothing about my car, but I've heard you can save money by maybe ordering
|> parts yourself off the internet and then paying the mechanic for labor only.

Most shops won't install customer-supplied parts.
Those that do will increase the labor charge to make up for the lost profit.
If you can find an individual to do it you might save some money, if you are
comfortable with that. It's a relatively simple process.

|> Would this be wise or should I just let the mechanic take care of the whole
|> process. And are there any good web sites where I'd be able to order auto
|> parts (specifically the parts I've mentioned in this post) at a good price
|> online?? Thanks for any advice!!

I'd recommend just replacing the joint itself with a NEW part.
Almost all replacement axles are remanufactured. Very few are repaired with
the expensive machinery required to re-cut the bearing paths correctly.


Rex in Fort Worth

 

I `ve swap boots on axle-knocking problems, and it`s fine. Here`s the
catch. You ``must`` catch it on time. Once you notice a faint knock,
stop driving immediately. Clean out the old grease, I mean, take each
ball out one by one. I`ve done it so it`s fun, maybe not for others

The second catch. The faint knock might re occur once in a while or
will not occur at all, but it`s harmless. If it`s neglected, the above
won`t work. Keeping the front tires balanced helps a lot.
Rick