> I noted that my front CV boots were shot so I bought boots 
> (expedited shipping) from Bus Depot and took them to my 
> normal shop. �They told me that they (and according to them, 
> no one) ever replaces just the boots. �They said I needed 
> the whole new axle.

People replace boots all the time. If everyone bought a whole new axle any
time they tore a CV boot, I'd be rich!  :-) 

It really depends on how long the boot was torn and whether the CV was
damaged.  If the CV joint goes long enough with a badly torn boot, then dirt
and foreign objects can get in and grease can leak out, which can eventually
damage the joint. But if it was caught early and no damage was done there's
no reason why you can't just replace the boot. If it's not making any noise
and hadn't gone dry, that's what I'd do. Even worst-case, you'd only need
the replace the one damaged joint, not the whole axle.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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