Need a second opinion. Does this CV Boot look like it's been repaired to mask a tear?

 

That is what it appears to be.

 

Yes!

 

Thanks guys.

Ok, is this common practice or a cheap (and probably temporary) way to repair damage inflicted on the boot? Do this even hold up??

 

Just a quick fix. Hard to say how long it would last.

 

Commonly known as a bodge job!

 

I would at least unclip the end and make sure there is some grease in the cv joint, then use a new clip to reseal it.

 

Thanks guys.

The boot ended up being replaced at no charge by the shop as it was leaking grease like crazy. All good now.

 

Ok, this problem is simply not going away.

After I picked up the car from the shop, all was good. The next day, I noticed grease again on the inside of the week. After removing the wheel and taking a closer look, I noticed that grease is getting out from where the big clamp meets the axle. The clamp seems to be on there pretty well, but the CV boot is still a little loose.

I took the car over to the shop that did the alignment for me hoping they can just re-attach it properly instead of having to drive all the way down to the shop that originally worked on the car. I think they're a bunch of jokers there whom are assuming I know nothing about cars cause I drive a Jag. Anyway, they're telling me there is no way to get the CV boot to hold properly, and I need a new drive shaft. WTF? How does that fix the problem of the boot not attaching properly, aside from the fact they can profit from the $750 they're asking for.

I feel really stupid asking this, but could what they're saying be even remotely plausible?

 

As far as I can see from the JTIS there is no need to replace the drive shaft. Since CV boots are removable and changeable - it can be done. Try to get a new retaining clip and check the grease level. Maybe someone put too much of it in the CV boot.

 

That's what I thought as well. I've changed CV boots myself years back (before kids took over my entire time) and it was a straight job.

I called the shop that originally worked on my car and they asked me to bring it over, which I did on my lunch break. They simply replaced the ring and tightened it pretty well and that was it. I'll clean up (again) the mess made by the grease and see how well it's holding up this weekend.

To think other less informed customers would have paid the $700 for repairs that are not needed. Needless to say I wrote up a pretty deserving negative review of the shop on Google+. Forgot to mention these jokers also said my <2 year old back brakes need urgent replacing, which I know the pads still have a good 50% life and the rotors and easily 90% new. The funny bit, they said my rotors have deep scratches...referring to the wear indicators ATE puts on their rotors.