thanx for the advice jim, i have just ripped the cv boot while trying to put it back in so its not dirty at all inside......i can get a new outer boot for 11 bux.....and a remanufactured one is 55 bux, so if possible, i'd like to replace the boot. Do i need any special tools to undo the boot straps? Is it very difficult to get the boot straps back on? Thats really only my main concern as I have the time to do this properly as long as its not something that requires alot of experience.