I'm still in the process of getting my car through inspection. Last time (about 2 months ago) it failed due to a small leak in the exhaust and a seized caliper. Both problems have been fixed and I brought it in for inspection again today.

I failed. This time they found a torn (outer) cv boot, and there was some play in the rear passenger side wheel. The looked at it and figured it must be the tie rod.

I don't have a garage so I can't work on the car myself meaning I have to bring the car to the car shop to have the repairs done. I can get the tie rod from the Fiero Store and it isn't a major repair so no problems there.

But I'm wondering what to do with the CV Boot. I have no idea if the axle is still good (how can I test that without taking it apart?). The reason I'm wondering what to do is simply put, costs. First of all, I want the repair to be as simple as possible. Car shops here have the tendency to charge you quite a bit (read: rip you off) because the car is considered an "exotic" here. It wouldn't be the first time I brought my car in for a relatively simple repair and afterward got handed a bill for $3,000-$4,000.

Also, having a complete axle shipped to me from the states is expensive. Shipping is a bi@tch, and I won't get my core charge back (since I'm not sending my old axle back).

So I have a few options:

* Simply buy a split boot and have them put that on the car. Cheap and easy. But I don't put much trust in a split boot.
* OEM boot. Hardly any parts costs, but they will have to remove the axle, clean the CV, regrease the boot. I can feel my wallet being in pain already.
* Replace the entire axle. I believe it's not all that difficult to do, but like I said, I would need one shipped to me from the States (or is it a standard GM replacement part?).

So what would be best?

There is another option.

Had a similar wonderance to you and found something called a "rhino boot" (I think). I took these chaps the axle, they just cut off old boot and the new boot just ssssstrettchhheeeeeed over the axle, they disappeared into the workshop and reappeared with my axle repaired about 3minutes later. Cost me about 20euros. The boot is very hard wearing and less brittle than O.E.M.. It has been on errr nearly 8 years now. Yer garage people can check the condition of the axle when they take it off to fit boot.

Cheers
PK

EDIT: Like this http://www.mecatech.co.uk/gif_anim.htm

These chaps also have an office in Nederlands who may be able to find you a local dealer:

NETHERLANDS

Web Site: Novatio Holland B.V.

Email: info@novatio.nl
Telephone:+31 475 318 159
Facsimile :+31 475 331 401


website: http://www.novatio.nl/

[This message has been edited by PK (edited 09-03-2009).]

As it was explained to me, the rear axle CVD does not usually fail. It does not go through the turning process the FF cars do (range of movement). A boot replacement is usually all that is needed.
However, I have had to replace a few boots, but never an axle (except for my engine swaps) on the fiero's I have owned.

my 2 pennies...

I would guess axle replacement would be the most cost effective way
but, I expect the shop could tell you the options as well
when I had to replace both my outter boots a few years ago - the boots were $20, and re-mann'd axles were $60+core
and, after all the cleaning products & time spent - should I ever be in that position again - I'm replacing the axles.

tho - the rhino-boot mentioned above is an interesting option

About time they came up with a material that can stretch over the joint.

Outside boot can be fix if you can match type. Some are 2 clamp and some and driven on big end. Won't alway switch.
Inside boot you usually can't find them.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

Sometimes New axles are same price or less then reman and there's no core. Remembering that Grease came out and Debris went in to cause wear on bearings. The time it takes to disassemble the axle and install new boots It's easier to R&R axle. The tool to Install the stretch over boot is very expensive.

Can you repair the axle boot your self in the driveway? I just replaced my inner boot and paid $8.00 for the part (rented the crimp tool for free). I was suprised at the quality of the boot; as it was just as stout as the one I removed... BTW, the one that I removed was from a brand-spanking new cv axle that was damaged because of user-error (don't ask)...

Purchased mine from advance auto; here is a link to the exact boot I purchased and piced up in the store the following day:

http://shop.advanceautopart...RP60007_566041257___

quote Originally posted by ALJR: Can you repair the axle boot your self in the driveway? I just replaced my inner boot and paid $8.00 for the part (rented the crimp tool for free). I was suprised at the quality of the boot; as it was just as stout as the one I removed... BTW, the one that I removed was from a brand-spanking new cv axle that was damaged because of user-error (don't ask)... Purchased mine from advance auto; here is a link to the exact boot I purchased and piced up in the store the following day: http://shop.advanceautopart...RP60007_566041257___

yes, it is a fairly quick job
tho - the tranny juice dump when you pull the axle can be quite messy

I don't much trust the split boots either although some have had good luck with them. That CV joint rarely wears out but it does happen. The fact that it's lost grease and has been open to the elements would make me lean towards replacing the axle. Then again, shipping costs are not an issue here. If I was in your situation, maybe I would just have them reboot it with a OEM style boot.

But what happens if the shop inspects the axle and decides you would be better off replacing the whole axle? You car might be stuck at the shop until an axle arrives from the States. Which brings me to my second point - I had a heck of a time finding a decent axle right here in the USA. GMpartsdirect.com wants over $500 for one axle, so that was not an option and The Fiero Store doesn't always list axles for my manual transmission, not sure why. I ordered axles from all the local auto parts stores and they were inferior in appearance or just plain wrong.



After searching for about a month or so, The Fiero Store finally did list manual axles on their web page. I ordered and it was a perfect match to the original. Oh and have the shop install a new axle seal while they are in there.

It's going to be a judgment call on your and the shop's part. Just trying to save you some headaches, time, expense and aggravation.

Mike

I bought a boot to change a torn outer and when I went to take the axle apart is was junk anyhow. the one bearing knuckle was completely blown out. I noticed when I had it out and there was a ton of play. So now you have nothing to show for that labor. I would get the reman.

I suspect it's maybe an hour to change the whole axle or less with a reman if you can get one over there.

The Fiero Store has the rebuild axle for $80 (plus $60 core charge) and shipping is $120. So that would be $260 for just a single axle.

RockAuto has a new Cardone axle for the 84-88 Fiero (just search RockAuto for part number 661122) for $51. Anyone have any experience with these?

PS: No, I don't even have a driveway to work on the car.

AT = auto trans
MT = manual trans

There is a quick and easy fix to a damaged CV boot that was mentioned earlier in this post. Its called the split CV boot. There are two types, the glue-together boot (that is is not much good) and the one that attaches together with glue and two small screws and nuts. I've used the one that goes together with the glue and screws and it held up for 25K miles. When I sold the car it was still running strong so they do work. If you replace the boot with the OEM type then you will need to remove the axles and use the special crimping tool to secure the clamp. There is an aftermarket clamp ( made by helps/dorman that can be installed with a pair of pliers but it is tricky to get a tight fit. In either case I would not replace the entire axle if only the boot is damaged. SOmetimes axles shops will crimp a newe boot on if ypu bring them the axle so there are a few options.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: AT = auto trans MT = manual trans

Oh, duh me.

quote Originally posted by jaskispyder: About time they came up with a material that can stretch over the joint.

Yaay! I wonder how they get the grease in there and be sure of good slathering....

------------------
84 Duke, Holley TBI, Manual Trans 4.10, CompuCam, White

quote Originally posted by White 84 SE: Yaay! I wonder how they get the grease in there and be sure of good slathering....

Crimp the small end first and then dhove the boot back towards it and smear in the proper amount of grease and crimp the big end.

quote Originally posted by Cliff Pennock: The Fiero Store has the rebuild axle for $80 (plus $60 core charge) and shipping is $120. So that would be $260 for just a single axle. RockAuto has a new Cardone axle for the 84-88 Fiero (just search RockAuto for part number 661122) for $51. Anyone have any experience with these? PS: No, I don't even have a driveway to work on the car.

The Cardone axle I got looked almost identical to the one in the picture I posted. If memory serves, the Cardone came with an ABS ring so it must cross over to other applications. The ring can be easily removed. Another thing I didn't like is the tripot joint and axle were smaller in diameter. Just a hunch but I think the original style axles are getting hard to find and this newer style is made in China. I was concerned with inferior steel and how the various parts were hardened. I had just installed another transaxle and didn't want to take that risk. At $260 total for a Fiero Store axle and if your old one isn't clicking from wear, I'd probably just reboot it.

Mike

I've never had any trouble with things bought off RockAuto. I don't know about the added time and costs of shipping to Europe, but from my experience here in the states its usually faster/more cost effective to just replace the entire axle. Also, if the boot is torn and you've been driving it for a while, debris probably got into the joint so it may be toast anyway.

I vote to go with new axles from RockAuto (whose core charges should be low enough to be negligible). Also do a google search for a 5% discount code that RA sends out to tons of folks.

Cliff, you really should learn to ask someone in the neighborhoud first...
I have stuff like used calipers, tie rod ends and axle's etc etc just laying around here...
Do you have the auto or getrag?

I stopped messing around with repacking CV's ages ago, in favor of either new or a reman axles. The time it takes to disassemble and clean and repack the joint, the mess, just doesn't justify the small difference in the cost of the boot vs the axle. Plus, with the axle, you actually get a warrantee. Unless you go with a split boot, you have to do the exact same R&R. With the whole axle, you save lots of time and mess.

Cliff, you have to weigh what your time is worth. A reasonably competent shop should be able to R&R a single axle in about an hour. Two if there's rust. If they are repacking, they will hit you another hour or two. Depending on what their labor rate is, you have to make the decision as to whether the hour or two of labor is of greater or less expense than the difference in cost between the whole axle and shipping (if applicable).

quote Originally posted by Fie Ro: Cliff, you really should learn to ask someone in the neighborhoud first...

I don't want to because for some reason if I ask, people feel obligated to donate me stuff and I want to pay for it just like anyone else.

quote I have stuff like used calipers, tie rod ends and axle's etc etc just laying around here... Do you have the auto or getrag?

Auto.

Man, I wish I had a garage... I would have bought me a parts car long time ago...

quote Originally posted by dsnover: you have to make the decision as to whether the hour or two of labor is of greater or less expense than the difference in cost between the whole axle and shipping (if applicable).

If I have to choose between spending money on parts or labor, I always choose parts. Simply because most of the time, I don't trust them that they actually worked on my car (or any car for that matter) during the hours they charged me.

Like several had mentioned, since you dont really know the integrity/condition of the cv axle with the torn boot
and because they have over 100K miles on them anyways (I'm assuming here)
you're probably better off replacing both so that you have peace of mind. That being said, how about getting a
used pair from Fier Ro and having someone on your side rebuild them? Then you could have someone install them.
Hopefully this will be cheaper since it eliminates the shipping costs.

Oh, and I have replacement axles from Rockauto also. I'd say the quality is typical or "ok" .
Mine had the deflector rings missing but dont really need to have those. And as mentioned,
the cores were so cheap ($20 I recall) it was not even worth shipping back the cores so I threw them away!

Kit

quote I don't want to because for some reason if I ask, people feel obligated to donate me stuff and I want to pay for it just like anyone else.

I understand that, I will not treat you different like anyone else. But sometimes I just donate stuff that was donated

I have a set of auto axles, I will check them tomorrow and let you know about the condition
Seriously, they will not be donated, I want 250 Euro...for each axle. You can pay here

quote Man, I wish I had a garage... I would have bought me a parts car long time ago...

I am renting a small garage but it is already full with my Fiero on stands...I also would have bought a parts car if I had the space but still I have gathered many spare parts over the years..several parts are from someone who ended the hobby and had a parts car and extra parts..and several parts are of my old GT and replaced parts of my current GT..etc

Cliff you have a pm..