2007 Polo Dune Outer CV Joint Possible Replacement

[craigskelly]

There are some indeterminant noises from under the car and on investigation, I found that the outer CV joint boot was completely missing on one side. I assumed that as the joint is "dry" that this may account for the noise and planned to re-grease and replace the boot. However, on reflection, I wonder if the joint itself is damaged and needs replacing. Is there an easy way to check for damage?

[CarbonChaos]

Personally I would replace the shaft completely, it’s a lot easier to replace a complete shaft than have to knock off the outer joint repack a possibility worn joint that may be 14 yrs old.

[amer6R]

Wigle it left to right and if it has a lot of slop, and it is clunking replace it. Pretty easy job, but it's a bit messy.
Oem is Spidan
Good brands are: Spidan, SKF, GSP, Metelli

If you are to replace just te boot, use brake clean and clean it very well and pack it with grease really good ( oem CV joint grease Mos2), but any high pressure bearing grease will work.
SKF uses 180g grease per CV joint, cheaper brands just 90g.