Torn boot on front axle and other questions
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 1:01 pm
Hey guys,
Well after having my van a couple of weeks I finally got around to climbing around under it. What I found was a torn boot for the left axle, and that wheel doesn't seem to rotate very easily by hand. What I mean is that the right side turns with little effort, but the left is pretty stiff, and doesn't continue rotating much after you put some force on it. Is it related to the torn boot possibly? Doesn't appear to be brake related as the van doesn't pull to either side, and both sides felt the same temp wise. Wheel bearing? Where can I get the new axle boot?
Also I noticed the front drive shaft turns with the wheels. Could I put on manual locking hubs to disconnect the front axle from the wheels when in 2wd? If so where would I order them, and what part number? Is replacement of the boot difficult? I think replacing the ball joints would be wise while in there as the lowers are a bit questionable. Where is the best place to get these parts?
Well after having my van a couple of weeks I finally got around to climbing around under it. What I found was a torn boot for the left axle, and that wheel doesn't seem to rotate very easily by hand. What I mean is that the right side turns with little effort, but the left is pretty stiff, and doesn't continue rotating much after you put some force on it. Is it related to the torn boot possibly? Doesn't appear to be brake related as the van doesn't pull to either side, and both sides felt the same temp wise. Wheel bearing? Where can I get the new axle boot?
Also I noticed the front drive shaft turns with the wheels. Could I put on manual locking hubs to disconnect the front axle from the wheels when in 2wd? If so where would I order them, and what part number? Is replacement of the boot difficult? I think replacing the ball joints would be wise while in there as the lowers are a bit questionable. Where is the best place to get these parts?