1999 Rodeo CV and Ball Joint Boot Cracks Fix

1999 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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JIMMYC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My '99 Rodeo 4x4 has 136,000 miles on it. It is all stock with no lift kits or other. I noticed that the outer CV boots are cracking a bit, but only on the inner creases of the boot. They have not cracked all the way through, are only pulling apart a bit. I was wondering how long it normally takes to go from this cracking to splitting apart all the way?

Also, further inspection revealed the the boot for the lower ball joints is cracked all the way through. I know if the CV boot is cracked that is bad news, does the same hold true for the ball joint?

Thanks for any advice.

-Jim :wink:
Jan 4, 2006 at 3:17 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,684 POSTS
yes, any dust boot that is torn can let dirt in the joint or axle and will cause the part to fail.
Jan 4, 2006 at 5:45 AM
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JOUGH626
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55 POSTS
GREAT! Now that you have found a potentionaly sit-on-the-side-of-road problem, fix it before it becomes that. My advice to you is change all the ball joints and both cv joints, your going to have to rip everything apart to change the ball joints, so just change it all.
Jun 17, 2006 at 1:02 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace all ball joints and both CV joints before the torn or cracking boots allow dirt in and cause failure. Because the ball joint work requires disassembly, replace the CV joints at the same time.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a stock 1999 Rodeo 4x4 with 136,000 miles reported outer CV boots cracking along inner creases but not yet split through, and lower ball joint boots cracked completely through. They asked how long the CV boots might last and whether a torn ball joint boot is as serious as a torn CV boot. Experts said a torn dust boot can let dirt into the joint or axle and cause failure, and advised replacing all ball joints and both CV joints now rather than waiting for a roadside breakdown, since the ball joint repair already requires disassembly.

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