turn and schmern

I have a busted right front inner boot.

So I've got a couple other mechanical issues on my plate before I can get to this axle removal business, and I'd love that CV joint to not be open and spewing grease on the cat. I saw a split boot ("solvent-welded" type, like a bike tire patch I would assume) made by Dorman that covers the 2nd generation Legacy. I looked at some part numbers on opposed forces and what do you know, but that second-gen boot is interchangeable with mine, a third generation.

I'm sure it's quite common to be able to use parts from other years and models, and I'm not even sure if I'll go to the trouble and expense of installing a dubious temporary fix like a split CV boot. I just thought it was worth noting in case a third generation Legacy owner ever considered the option of using one of these split boots, that it is out there.

Try lockwiring the boot's. Wrap a length of .041" lock wire around the boot and twist it.

what is lock wire?

So my passenger side CV boot is leaking grease as of sometime this last week. I'd much rather rebuild/repair the seal then purchase the entire axle assembly. Would it be best to purchase all the necessary parts from a dealer or purchasing a rebuilt kit from Napa, Oreily's, etc? Looking to try to get this fixed this weekend.

I can't really say which one would be best. In my case, I used an OEM kit and it cost me around 40-50$ iirc, bought online. Not sure which kit (i.e. OEM vs. the rest) provides a more durable boot though..

the oem parts (boot replacement kit as well as full half shafts incl. boots) seem to be about four times the price of aftermarket 'direct fit' parts, so long as they are available.

i'll post as soon as i have tried the empi brand replacement gear. seems like those posting above have had good fitments with that brand; the clerk in the auto parts store that had them let me know about an ABS sensor ring, a castellated ring just before the hub on the halfshaft, (which seems to be what caused posters above problems with some of the Mac Auto-sold halfshafts) that can be removed if the ABS sensor is elsewhere.

Welcome to the forum. I have no personal experience with that one. But probably worth a shot.

thanks m sprank! Apparently empi is the company that makes the better-reviewed axles sold by Mac Auto, so I think I'll go for it. I had problems removing a couple of the suspension links- the through bolt and the 19mm bolt on the a-arm, trying to do this without taking my BJ out of the knuckle. Anyone have tips? Jack up the car more in order to be able to use a longer bar is all I'm thinking.