Questions regarding knackered CV boot..

[tigerdog]

...grrrr!

Why is it, just when one thing is fixed and I'm so incredibly pleased with how the car feels, something else goes t**s up? Got the Wilwoods bedded in, clearance issues resolved (temporarily if not optimally) pulled the left front wheel to make sure there were no brake fluid leaks and found... an outer CV boot split right where it attaches to the driveshaft!!!! Graphite mung strewn all over my pristine wheel and wheelwell liner.

The writeup on the wiki could use a bit of expansion, a few photos and some Fed footnotes, since we have access to neither Halfords nor Renault dealers on this side of the Atlantic. I've found a few threads from the past, noteably Ekapol's and Algirdas'. Can someone confirm the boots are in fact the same as an Impulse? Is there a preferred US source? And just how hard is this job? Something that could be done at home? By a general FWD mechanic? Or do I have to drive the car up to Harry in Orange County? Is it even safe to drive the car with a split boot or will I ruin the joint? If yes, how far - it's 70 miles to Harry's.
Sorry for all the questions...

Doug

[tigerdog]

Been reading more; sounds like the combination of the Bailcast cone/lube and Dorman boot is a useable combo. Dorman boots are pretty easy to find but where can you find the required tool and lube?

[GeoffSmith]

Think they've got to be Bailcast (stretchy) boots. If you're into grunting, sweating and getting covered in sticky stuff, this job's for you!

PS Here's a neat tip.

[tigerdog]

Think they've got to be Bailcast (stretchy) boots...

Thanks for the pipe trick! Regarding boots, this post from DonSladek indicates the Bailcast (Duraboot) is not a good replacement for the outer boots, because the accordion-ridges contact and wear through. Don told me in PM the Dorman boots have done at least 5000 miles with no incidents.

As for getting all gummed up, I showed the "how to install" video to my friendly local general-practice mechanic. After seeing the video, he agreed to do the work if I source the parts. Assuming the Duraboot cone and lube spray get here quickly, I should be back on the road next week. And yes, I'm wimping out here and seeking professional help. After I see it done, I'll be more willing to try it the proverbial "next time". While he's doing that, I'll be resurrecting the computer his rolling road/dyno runs off of. Apparently it froze in use a while back and hasn't been heard from since.