Good morning - 93 k1500 Suburban 4x4, 5.7 motor 350k miles
Had to break down and get new tires yesterday. I use Les Schwab and they have always done great work for me. On safety check I am told both front cv axle boots are torn and leaking grease and should be replaced. Is this an ok job for a DYI guy like me with basic tools or should I let smarter folks do it? Leaking grease - does that come from the front diff? How important is the repair? This is my winter crappy weater ride; otherwise it sits more than it goes.
Thanks, Red

 

I would look at Rockauto and see if they sell what is called a split boot - two halves you join together. If they do, it’s straightforward to cut off the remnants of the old boot and put the replacement on. Otherwise, you have to pull the wheel hubs and brakes and all that to replace the cv boots, based on past experience.

I would fix it as otherwise the CV bearings lose lubrication and will also be picking up road salt and dirt, and you will end up replacing the full CV joints and not just the rubber boot.

 

I'd go under myself and confirm that the boots are really leaking.

If split boots are available, use those. And full axles with boots already on them may be available, and maybe lifetime warranty.