Boot Cover

[andunn]

2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L

I was replacing push pins on my front wheel wells and underneath the bumper (replaced about 8 that were super loose and also had about 8 that were missing. Much quieter ride now and no noise from underneath my car.

Anyways, while doing that I noticed on my drivers side the CV boot is pretty badly torn. The driver side is still in tact, but looked like it could start to tear anytime. No driving issues, noises,... How do I replace these boots and is it something I can do, or do I need to go to a mechanic or toyota dealer? If able to replace myself is there a part number?

[andrewclaus]

That's not the CV joint, it's the strut shock absorber. It's probably best to replace the shock absorber, probably the whole strut assembly, rather than just the boot. Have a shop check them for a professional opinion. Strut replacement greatly improved the handling of my Vibe. It probably still had original equipment when I bought it at 150K miles. And the boots were pretty much gone.

[ColonelPanic]

The boots on our '03 disintegrated like that. Certainly not ideal as being exposed to the elements like that will hasten the demise of the strut.
I replaced the front struts with KYB Strut Plus that came with new everything, including the boots. It was well worth the effort.

[joatmon]

I've been working with a Brit a lot lately, and every time I see this thread title I think its about a cargo cover