97 F150. Need to replace outer drivers side CV boot. CV joints appear ok but not sure how old they are. I guess the steering knuckle has to be removed first. Must the entire axle shaft be removed to replace only the outer boot or is it easier to just replace the axle shaft with a complete unit, thus saving time splitting the CV joint from the race to remove the boot. Haynes/Chilton manual say outer CV joints are non serviceable so not sure if I can even replace the boot.

thanks

 

you can replace the boot only. The ones I've changed are designed with a split in them. Then you close it off with wire ties and I've used silicon along the slit.

check with NAPA and O'Reilly for replacement boots.

 

Those split boots are not a very good way to do it, once the boot cracks the life of the CV joint is reduced due to contamination. The best way to do it is replace the axle shaft with a reman.