Mechanically minded?? Got one for you.....

2007 lr3 - when I bought it the front left cv boot was split. Had the half shaft replaced. Couple of months later, boot split again. Replaced again (under warranty). Checked today. Grease all over, boot split again? Minimal off-roading. No lift/rods. Stock tire size on 18s. Seeking enlightenment......

 

That's odd is there anything loose that could be coming into contact with the boot?

 

I checked for any points of contact in access and off-road Heights. Rotated tires in and out. Not seeing anything.

 

Logic says the shafts themselves are not the issue. Has to be something external. On the lower arm there are small bump stops that bed into the knuckle under full turn, are they present? Only though I have is the joint is being overextended and that somehow is causing the issue. Also heck you check for contact, did you do so with the wheel in full turn left and right too? Maybe if you can clean up the grease and get another pic it may show how. To me it looks like a puncture, but if it was contact wear from rubbing it would probably show around the hole in some way.

 

The bump stops are there. Good point regarding a puncture or tear, does not look like it was from rubbing. Another note, is that the hole is in the rear of the boot (closer to the driver seat) rather than in the front of the boot. Could the boot somehow be getting pinched by the CV joint?







Looking at the half shaft compared to the one on the passenger side, I’m wondering if it is non-OEM and simply of inferior quality.

 

That was sorta my line of thought, that the boot was being over-extended and getting pinched. There should be five rubs including one tight to the outer boot retainer. The LR3 has a phenomenal turning radius and the boots are flexed far. But one would think any part maker would not want returns, etc. Then again many of these parts get tossed on a vehicle just to get it sold.

Take a look at this OEM shaft, notice the number of outer ribs specifically the one furthest out.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/05-09-Land-...-/223093037125

Yours looks more like this one, where they really does not appear to be an outer rib, just enough rubber to secure it with the metal band.
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/210330...BoCtP8QAvD_BwE

So *if* this is the case and the problem it may be that the one originally damaged was also a replacement non-factory part. And the boots may not have enough to clear the CV joint in a tight turn. When these boots are over extended the ribs can fold inward. If you feel adventurous, you could rip is all part and see how the boot looks from the inside if you ruled out any external sources for damage. And keep in mind you probably can just replace the boot if you have not been in deep water and dirt. Just clean up the joint, re-grease and install a new boot. Personally I prefer just to replace the shaft. I tore a boot once and got a new shaft for $200, LR OEM and came in a wood crate. They are not difficult to install.

 

This is still under warranty. Going to have them install an OEM half shaft and see if that solves the problem.

I checked the right half shaft and it has 5 ribs versus 4 on the left.

DakotaTraveler, thanks for the brain power this morning!