Last couple of weeks I've been noticing a squeak and slight clunk near the rear axle. Checked and found a cracked CV boot. I am guessing the grease is gone inside and probably not safe to drive much longer. How hard is this to replace? Do you have to remove the driveshaft to put on a new boot? Should I just change the entire driveshaft? How much would a new driveshaft replacement cost?

96 3.8L Auto

Thanks

 

Hit up a wrecking yard and get a one piece driveline. You should not have to pay over $100 for one. most places will prolly sell you one for alot less. Any 4th gen V8 or V6 Auto or Manual drive line will work.

Massey

 

Are they tough to replace? Is there a sticky somewhere, I have a Chiltons book that I can follow but often they miss some things.

 

Pull the rear diff back and slid the shaft out.

 

It is a Carrier bearing not a CV joint. Constant Velocity joints are used when angles come into play (FWD\4wd cars or with independent suspension).

You replace the Carrier style shaft assemble you need to unbolt the bearing assembly form the car (I like to support it so the weight is not hanging on the tranny). Unbolt the rear U-joint and slide the whole assembly out of the transmission. Now just slide the new one pc driveshaft into the trans and bolt up the U-joint.

 

Thanks Gorn, does not sound that hard...Do you need to line or lube anything up or does it just slide into the tranny? Do you need to reattach to the center hanger on a one piece driveshaft. The mechanic down the street said you can only put a two piece back on. I read the posts and it sounds like a one piece will work. I can get an aluminum for $324 with shipping at parts train.

 

no need for da center mount. that guy that told you that only a 2 piece is good is full of malarkey. the one piece will offer more strength and rigidity

 

most mechanics dont know/look into what other parts will work for cars as for the 1 piece aluminum thats not to bad of a price for new call local jyards youll spend way less money

 

You really do not need a new one. Used Aluminum ones sell for around $100-150 a steel one pc should not be much over $50. You may want to have new Ujoints put in.

You should catch any tranny fluid that may come out. Hopfully it is only s few drops. General mechainc can not know everything abough every car. Sites like this one have a very focused group that is very detailed about this type of upgrade. I would guess half of the V6 regulars have done this upgrade. I have a one pc sitting in my garage just waiting to have the car up on stands for any other reason.