I want to get some opinions. I went to replace my brake pads last night and found that the axle shaft (driver side) boot was torn on the bottom half. Which explained my finding of grease on the inside of the rim.

I'm sure this happened very recently. I didn't notce it a month and a half to 2 months ago tops, when I took the wheels off the paint the calipers.

It does not feel like any sh## got in there. Should I get a replacement boot for ~$20 or get the while shaft for $75? Money is tight. I'd like to fix it right, but don't want to spend more than I have to.

Thank you.

The first thing you need to do is inspect your CV joint. Clean it thoroughly and inspect for scratches on the bearings and the cage. If it visually looks okay, you should be fine just replacing the boot. I rebuild a CV joint on my 82 Cavalier (a looong time ago), but should have just replaced it. It had signs of wear...and, yup, it went out again within 25K miles. If it looks warn--replace. Make sure you use the recommended grease. I used lithium grease--which was recommended, and that is what gave me the 25, 000. Otherwise it is a now brainer.

Good luck.

So I should tear the boot off, clean it all the grease out. Inspect..and if not damaged (it doesn't look like it at all so far) re-grease and put a new boot on? Where do I get the grease?

Check with the Pontiac service center (call the service department of your local dealer) and see what kind of grease they recommend. You can buy it from them or go to any parts store and pick it up (probably cheaper). As long as you are getting the correct type of grease, it doesn't matter where you get it from.

BTW, You will have to remove the half shaft to replace the boot, so you may as well remove it to clean and inspect it properly.

I got a split boot..well, my dad did. I'd rather have a regular one that'* completely closed, but I changed it. Seems to be no damage, except for the bearings. But they've been bad for a while. I'll have to wait till I get the $$

If the cage is good, rebuild it with new bearings. At that time, simply replace the boot with one that isn't split. Less chance of dirt entering.

how much would new wheel bearings be? If I were to replace them on the driver'* side, should I also do the passenger side so both are the same? Thx for the help 95

You would have to check into a rebuild kit. Back in 1987 they were around $30 for both sides (grease included). But my memory may not be that great.

I would do both while you are at it. The first is the harder of the two. After you do the first one, you can do the second in half the time.

These rebuild kits I can get at Advance Auto or something? Sounds like a good plan. I'll take the cheapest way out, as long as they get fixed right.

You'll have to check around. The kits usually include Items like the ball bearings, any "C" clips you may need, a Boot, etc. You re-use the cage and the shaft.