Need to replace CV Axle / Axle Shaft / CV Boot on '01 Nissan Altima, how much?

Question

I have a 2001 Nissan Altima, Manual Transmissiaon, 2.4 Liter engine, I went to a mechanic to have my oil changed, he said that I'm also going to need to replace my left front CV Axle or Axle shaft. He said that grease is leaking from the boot and that it's too late to change the boot, so I have to change the whole CV Axle. I had this same problem a year ago, I replaced the boot only. The mechanic told me that it might be something in the transmission that is causing the Axle to break since I am having this problem again, he said that this is unlikely though. He said that the price to change the axle will be roughly $300 that's including the parts and labor and tax. I am thinking that this is too much. Can anyone tell me if this is the right price or not?

Answer 1

Cost for the part is typically about $100-$150.

Typically it takes 1-2 hr labor.

However if you had the boot replaced last time, it should cost the same amount as to replace the boot properly, you must remove the CV shaft from the vehicle.

The only difference in labor time is the cost of the boot vs the cost of the shaft.

Look at your prior receipt where they simply changed the boot and repacked the CV shaft with grease. Add $100 to what you paid last time and that should be the approximate cost to replace the shaft.

Answer 2

1. The boot could have been faulty, but the CV driveshaft under normal use can last at least 250,000km including the boots. 2. During turning, when you turn the wheel to full lock, the boots are 'stretched' more than driving straight, but they are designed to allow for turning without ripping. 3. DO NOT SELL YOUR VEHICLE based on this alone. What would you get??? Nearly all vehicles these days have CV driveshafts so how do you know it would not happen to you later? There are two types of boots. Plastic & Rubber. The plastic types are not as flexible, but they are more common. In the plastic type, there is a design that is split in the middle to allow it to be installed over the CV joint without removing the axle. Stay away from this. If the boot is ripped, the axle should come out, inspected, disassembled completely if still servicable, cleaned to a mirror finish, repacked with grease and a new boot & clamps installed. Unless the boot is fauly from the beginning and no physical damage was done from the outside, the only explanation that remains is that it was deliberately tampered with. Almost anywhere you buy a new or remanufactured CV driveshaft, you will get a warranty that includes the boot. If it breaks (highly unlikely), it will be replaced. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Shop around your local autoparts stores to get a rebuilt one. It will be an original Nissan part, just refurbished/renewed. It would be much cheaper. Note that prices can vary greatly with different autoparts stores.

The same thing happended to my 97 Altima. I got the part for $70 with a core charge of $80. (ie; I had to return my old part to get the $80 back). I did the change myself in an afternoon with the help of a buddy. Took about 2 hours, and a six-pack of beer.

Your CV boot will not break unless it's old/worn, if something rubbed against it, if it was defective or if it was damaged when it was installed. Nothing in the transmission can wear the CV boot.

If you're brave, Ebay has them for $35 or so.

Answer 4

Altima Boot

Answer 5

That's pretty much the high end of the cost but not outrageous. When the boot tears ,dirt immediately gets in the axle joint and damages the metal parts inside. If the boot is torn again you might as well get the axle replaced.