CV joint boot torn (grr...)

[archive@porknet.fdns.net]

Well folks I should have figured it would happen to me. I was installing
my poly front swaybar bushings that I got through potterman (which made a
big difference in "sway-reduction", BTW) and I had the car jacked up on
the tranny mount bracket, trying to get the swaybar bracket on the driver
side control arm. I was raising and lowering the car until I could get it
to line up with the drilled holes. Finally got it in. But not before
hearing a popping/tearing noise and looking up in horror to see my torn
inner driver side CV boot, 270 degrees around!

I probably couldn't have prevented it for much longer, but this still
pisses me off. This car is my daily driver, so I've put about 75 miles on
the car since the boot ripped, and I just drove it home in heavy rain for
12 of those miles. How much abuse/contamination can the joint take until I
have to buy a new one and not just a new boot? I'm hoping to do the boot
this weekend if I can get the materials and tools, but I doubt that will
happen without a miracle of some kind. I've never pulled off a driveshaft
before, so it should be interesting. Luckily I've been saving list
messages related to CVs since I figured I'd be doing mine soon with 130k
on what are most likely the originals (can't expect constantly bending
rubber to last that long, can you?). I need to get special CV grease, a
new boot and clamps, what else? I should be able to get those three
things locally. Is it much harder to change both boots on that axle at
the same time?

Is this something I can realistically accomplish myself in a single day,
outdoors with no garage? In Seattle ? :) I'm gonna go get a set of Lisle
triple square drivers if I can find them at the local "pep boys" -like
chain. The other thing is I think there is some gear oil leaking out of
the tear in the inner CV boot, would that be from my final drive flange
seal(s) ? How hard is it to change them with the inner CV disconnected ?

I've got some redline gear oil to drop in there but I'm (obviously) going
to wait until I get the CV done now. Should I drop the passenger side one
too and do its boots while I'm down there? Is there any reason to or not
to?

Do I need a press for any of this stuff? I don't want a repeat of the
passenger side motor mount 8-hours-of-hammering incident.

Thanks,

-Toby

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