You might be in time to save your constant velocity joints by replacing the boots. Chances are that if the boots are torn, the damage is done. You will need to replace your half-shaft very soon.
constant velocity
You look at it and if it is cracked and leaking grease it has failed.
scrootch under the car and look at the boots, if torn or leaking grease you need fresh ones.
A cracked boot itself won't cause a CV joint to make noise. However, a cracked boot WILL cause the grease to be slung out and allow dirt to enter the CV joint. And a contaminated CV joint that is starved for lubricant WILL eventually start to make noise.
Sometimes the boots crack in a seam and hard to find. If there is grease there is a rip.
sound like a bad cv joint aka axle shaft check rubber boots on left and right axle if they are cracked and open chances are cv joint went bad from lack of luberication and contaminents
I brought my 2005 VW Passat (46,100 miles) into a VW dealer in Minnesota this morning for an oil change. They called and told me two of my CV boots were leaking and that each would cost $330 to repair for a total of $660. I'll probably find someone else to do the work -- or at least check to see if they really are leaking.
For two CV Boots on a 2002 Mercedes I was quoted $1800 and change. I'm looking for a cheaper solution.
It may be your CV joints. Look to see if the rubber boots on your front axles are cracked or separated. If there is grease or oil splattered on the bottom of your truck close to one of the CV joints, it could indicate one is beginning to fail.
Changing CV boots is not cost effective. It is much simpler to simply swap in a rebuilt CV shaft.
First, check the "boots" around the CV joints. If they are leaking grease or cracked or you see evidence of grease that was thrown from the CV joint, replace it. You won't get any more service out of it. Second, if the joint makes a grinding or popping noise when you go around a corner, replace it. In front-wheel drive cars, a sure sign of worn CV joints is a loud rhythmic clunking or clicking sound that comes especially while turning tight circles. It is commonly said that sound while turning right indicates a problem in the left drive-shaft's joint and vice-versa though this is not always the case. == ==
I dont know what is reasonable, but my dealer said it would be about $900 to replace both outer CV boots on my 2001 Pathfinder.