[Outback2002]

Does anyone have any thoughts about using some type of silicone or rubber conditioner on the CV axel boots front and rear to try to extend their life? Ive already had one fail on the front passenger side which is common due to heat off the exhaust and this can get expensive because its usually less hassle to just replace the whole axel rather than trying to dismantle the axel to replace the boots. When I took mine to the dealer, to have it fixed there standard practice is to replace the whole axel rather than messing with the boot. Next time ill do it myself with the service manual.

I am not sure if using a silicone lubricant spray or rubber conditioner on them might make them crack at this point on a 11 year old car.

Thanks for any input..

2002 Outback 2.5 Manual

 

[Outback2002]

You can buy the boot kits OEM for 30 bucks or so but looking at the service manual it has a lot of steps to replace them including getting a tool to put the metal band around the boot to secure it to the axel. I can see why the dealers dont mess with the boot kits, its just to much trouble for them and they can just sell a reman axel. My rear boots are pretty stiff now that the car is 11 years old. I would like to put something on them to keep them flexable but want to make sure a conditioner wont cause them to crack.