That comment about axle boots at the gas station stuck with me

I was filling up my quad at the Shell station off Route 9 last Thursday when this old guy pulled up on a beat-up 400EX and said, "You check those boots before they check your wallet." He pointed at a cracked rear boot and told me a $12 part can turn into a $300 shaft replacement if you ignore it. I went home, popped the clamps off, and sure enough, there was a tiny split letting grease sling everywhere. Fixed it with a new boot in 45 minutes, but now I'm paranoid about the front ones. Anyone else had a cheap rubber piece cost them big time, or do you just ride until something makes noise?

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1 Comment

beth_hunt18h ago

Check those boots before they check your wallet" sounds like advice from a guy who's been burned so bad he started writing poetry about it lol. I learned the hard way with a tie rod end on my old Ranger, that little rubber ball joint cover split and the whole thing started clunking over every bump like a haunted shopping cart. Cost me 40 bucks for the part plus an afternoon of me cussing at a pickle fork, all because I ignored a tiny crack for six months. Now I'm out there with a flashlight every oil change like I'm inspecting the crown jewels. Front boots are probably fine, but you and I both know you're gonna be staring at them all weekend anyway.