front left boot bad, losing grease, "might as well replace axle while at it

[circmand]

Isuzu want's $800/side to do these things. But they also want to drop the front diff to do them.

Since shops charge close to $100/hr these days, I think $300/side is a very fair price. You aren't just paying for the 2-3 hours of work, but for the expertise/tools owned by the mechanic. If he (or she) is a good one, the can spot other issues (like bearings) and save a repeated job.

Hoping to get both sides done for $300 is crazy. I'm not sure I'd even trust someone offering to do it for that price. Unless you were sure of their reputation. In fact, I'd question the skill/experience of any new shop just to be sure. Feedback from other clients is always good to have.

Good luck!

Are they talking replacing half shafts thereby not required to remove the diff or the full shaft? Frankly I have not heard any problems requiring the full monty on the shaft. Especially from a torn boot.

[Triathlete]

When Isuzu doe's it at that price they replac e the entire shaft therefore must drop the diff.

[dmanske@cavtel.net]

Had my front left boot and axle replaced to cure the noise as diagnosed by mechanics of a national chain ($300 parts and labor). As I drove away, I heard the same noise as before even with the first turn of my wheels ! I u-turned back in and gave the mechanic a ride to hear the noise. He confirmed it and the manager is researching the issue.
How do these boots fail in the first place ?
Are the boots moved or adjusted during a lube-job ?
Thank you for the past help with this issue and my blown fuse !

[circmand]

Had my front left boot and axle replaced to cure the noise as diagnosed by mechanics of a national chain ($300 parts and labor). As I drove away, I heard the same noise as before even with the first turn of my wheels ! I u-turned back in and gave the mechanic a ride to hear the noise. He confirmed it and the manager is researching the issue.
How do these boots fail in the first place ?
Are the boots moved or adjusted during a lube-job ?
Thank you for the past help with this issue and my blown fuse !

Made of flexible material constant exposure to elements constant flexing while driving they just wear out. The boots are not touched on a lube, whichis really passe. The oil change joints dont even do that any more and we have a closed system with only the drive axle needine lubed. Which you should do regularly