Considering the amount of time and effort saved, would someone with experience comment on
the use of something like these. Could use RTV to seal seams.

 

Junk.

Do it right.

 

A swing axle diameter is much bigger than a 928 axle, making sealing on the small end.....complex.

While anything is possible, practical is another matter.

 

Made from same material as non seam type.
Picture just an example, they are made in many sizes.
If seam holds up even for 3 or 4 years worth the time savings.
No one with experience using these?

 

No. We like our cars.

 

We like our wifes in nice lingerie and our cars should look also sexy from every angle!

That boots looks like an bad idea!

 

Just one word........NO.

 

When replacing torn boots, this is the time to make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned and evaluated prior to adding fresh grease. You wouldn't really be able to do this with this solution. I would see this as an emergency band aid at best.

 

I have third party experience with the split seam replacement boots. Never having used one myself, but seen others do it, watched how they performed afterward, and taken the half shaft apart later. On vehicles that see MUCH more severe duty than any 928 will ever see. And with torque doubling wheel hubs so the axles spin at 2x the normal speed. I've probably seen about a dozen of them installed on those vehicles and subsequently had them beaten up and used very hard and driven for many many miles. Not a single failure when installed properly. Zero. They are always glued along the seam (not RTV, but maybe that would work). They don't come apart or leak. These vehicles fully submerged their half shafts regularly. No leakage. And the way I know that they don't leak when done properly is...

I've also rebuilt several of those same kinds of half shafts in order to replace worn internals and/or torn boots. It's a major hassle the first time, but gets easier with practice. Still, no where near as easy as just replacing the boot, especially on that particular half shaft and vehicle.

Comparatively, the 928 half shafts are a snap to remove and take apart. Not too long ago I had a leaking boot on my 928. I removed it, disassembled it, carefully inspected it and checked it for wear and play. Then, put it back together with fresh grease and new boots. That's my preference, but I wouldn't disparage someone else doing what works for them.

My opinion is that the mechanical condition of the CV joint is what's most important. If it's not worn to the point of needing to be replaced or rebuilt, which significant water and/or grit ingress will do, then it's a candidate for resealing without rebuild.

Personally, I never use split boots, but I'm in a different situation than you. You may be short on time or not have ready access to the tools and facilities to remove and disassemble the half shaft. A split boot may be just the ticket to keep things going. If the internals are good and the grease isn't contaminated, it could very well last the rest of the life of the CV joint. At the very least, it will buy you time until you're ready for a more time and resource intensive repair.

My opinion...not an ideal fix, but nothing wrong with it if done right and the joint is a candidate for a new boot without a rebuild.

Just make sure that you get the right size, there are lots of sizes available. In a pinch, I've seen a regular boot slit down the length and resealed with glue, but I wouldn't trust that approach for longer than it takes to get access to a better solution.

 

Thank you Bulvot.
That is a useful answer based on experience, not just an impulsive dismissal of someone
with no actual knowledge.