99 Forester CV boot question

[erin]

I have a 99 Forester and was told that my right front CV boot is
broken, leaking fluid onto my exhaust--causing smoke. They tell me I
need to replace the entire right front axle to fix this. Is this
true? Can’t just the boot be replaced? Please help before I pay for
too much to be done. thank you!!!
~Erin

 

[johninKY]

Yes the boot can be replaced but the labor involved in replacing the boo
or the entire axle is the same. If you have to pay someone else to do th
work then go for the axle replacement.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Yes the boot can be replaced but the labor involved in replacing the boot
or the entire axle is the same. If you have to pay someone else to do the
work then go for the axle replacement.

good advice - particularly if you don't know how long the boot has been
open to the elements.

BTW - cv joints can work for MONTHS after the boot is split so you have
time to save up!

Carl