NEED ADVICE: CV boots

[CSL]

This morning, while changing the oil, I noticed that one boot has completely ripped right before the clamp. The tear is clean and circular and just at the edge of clamp. As soon as I can afford it and have time, I will buy long travel CV boots that I have found and do the big job of replacing the boots.

So...here lies my need for advice:

I need a quick fix to get through one more trail run. Here are my thoughts, please tell me what you think

1) Fill the boot with as much grease as I can
2) Wrap the boot and axle with a bunch of electrical tape to "slow" the leak that likely still happen.

I know this won't help me if there is already debris inside the boot, and I may be damaging my CV axles. I am thinking I may replace the CV's when I do the new boots, just for peice of mind and to keep the old pair as extras.

Questions:
1) If you break a CV axle on a trail will you be immobile or just loose your 4wd?
2) Can CV axles be "inspected" when replacing the boots to verifiy if they are damaged and should be replaced?

I don't want to skip this upcoming trip, so tell me if you think this one time "fix" is risky or not.

Thanks.

 

[Pikeman]

One solution would be to get a Quick Boot which is made to make a repair like you are talking about, you wrap it around the axle and it hhas tabs that interlock to keep the boot closed. As far as if you break a CV on a trail, it can go from loosing 4x4 or can tear your suspension up depending on how it breaks if teh axle comes loose it will spin around and tear things up.

 

[CSL]

Thanks Pikeman

Well, I just finished filling it with grease and taping the $#it out of it. I will look into this "quick boot" that you mentioned, sounds like a good thing to have in the repair kit in the rig.

I will just have to see how it goes tomorrow...hopefully I make it through with no problems. It's my last big trip for a little while.