2003 ZR2 front driveshaft CV joint

[drwet]

I have the driveshafts out of my 2003 Sonoma ZR2 to change the transmission. The rubber boot on the CV joint on the front driveshaft is shot, but the CV joint is fine. My dealer tells me this is not a serviceable part and I have to buy a new driveshaft to the tune of $700. My parts guy tells me the aftermarket has CV joint kits available, and Rock Auto lists rebuilt driveshaft assemblies. Anyone have any experience servicing these things? Can they be rebuilt?

 

[lphernan]

Yes, Boots have been replaceable with aftermarket boots for quite some time. Just make sure you clean your CV joint and grease them well.

 

[drwet]

Yes, Boots have been replaceable with aftermarket boots for quite some time. Just make sure you clean your CV joint and grease them well.

I'm afraid you didn't do your homework. After considerable research, here's the facts for anyone who might be interested. That CV joint is not serviceable in the field. That means the boot is not replaceable and I could not find a supplier for it. You can buy the complete CV joint or the complete driveshaft from Dorman. The General only sells the complete driveshaft. The prevailing wisdom is to replace the CV joint if the boot fails and you discover it before the joint fails. If you don't and the joint itself fails, you should replace the entire driveshaft since the splines on the shaft will be damaged, and cause the CV joint to fail prematurely anyway.

Hope this helps somebody.