we have a general knowledge on basic mechanics. we dont want to pay the high labor cost, but dont want to waist our time trying ourselves if its going to be a huge headache. anyone? :)
Yes, your CV joint is about ready to go out on you. If you would have caught the damage to the boot sooner it could have been replaced and relubed and it would have been fine, but since the boot was obviously torn for a while without you noticing the grease has been thrown out of the boot. So your looking at needing to replace that half-shaft. Get the half shaft replaced ASAP to keep from further damage to the front end of the vehicle and before that joint goes out completely and breaks.
straight axle not cv but anyways it should take between 1 and 4 hours depending on your tools and knowlege but there are some tricky parts to being inside of an axle if youve never done it but good common sense should be your best tool.
i would take it in to a shop, it will be worth the time and hassle,than to have it towed in after it goes wrong.Hardest part will probably be pushing the shaft through the wheel bearing hub,these can be a real pain,sometimes seized, that's when an air hammer is your best friend.However if you still want to attempt i would suggest getting a Chilton's for your car.
