CV Joint

[malexalex]

Hey, the little black rubber boot which covers the cv joint on my '70 spitfire is torn... it still covers the actual joint but the boot is separated, my question is: is this a fix it right away sort of problem or one to add to my list... also how easy is it to replace one of these? Thanks!
-Alex

 

[TR3driver]

I didn't realize Spits ever had CV joints; but on other cars it's a "fix it right away" thing. If you do it now, you can just clean and reuse the joint, only have to replace the boot. But if sand and grit get into the joint, they will ruin it and perhaps even cause it to fail suddenly on the road.

I thought Spits only used U-joints and those rubber donut thingies ??? If you're just looking at the dust shield over a U-joint (like the IRS TRs and the Stag have), then IMO it can wait. The U-joints have their own seals, and they work pretty good.

 

[malexalex]

Thanks, Yes, my mistake it is just a U joint, so on to the list it goes! Thanks Again,
-Alex

 

[foxtrapper]

Later Spitfires do have a CV joint on the driveshaft.

As for the criticalness of promptly fixing CV joints, I've learned through experience it's no where near the fix it now rush many folks think it is.