Boot on axel split open, how bad?

[ClassicalBor]

So, Drivetrain, transmission, axels, etc. are not really my forte. But I found out that the cv boot on the passenger side front axel is cut open a bit, and I actually believe its because of my transmission mount having a bit of play in it possibly worn out bushings. I know its probably not an IMMEDIATE concern, but im wondering what kind of problems will it cause if that stays open and does not get replaced. What kinds of risks could possibly come out of it?

Thanks for the help. Maybe I can get a pic for your guys later.

 

[gofer]

No pics necessary. If you caught it right after it happened and the ball bearings don't have dirt and road debris in them then you can just replace the boot. If you've been driving on it for a few 100 miles and theres axle grease everywhere except in the boot your going to have to replace the axle.
The consequences of driving on it for 500 to 1000 miles are nothing really, eventually you'll start hearing it. Drive on it for a few months though and it can break while your turning and leave your car stranded, or worse if you lose control...

 

[housegsx]

If the axle is not clicking yet I would immediately remove it and replace both boots with new ones. It should only cost ~$20.

If you wait, all the grease will fly out and make a mess of everything and starve the joints of grease as well as introduce them to dirt and water.

 

[ClassicalBor]

To be honest, I cant say how long I have been driving on it like this. I feel like I would have noticed it a few months ago when I was welding an exhaust leak under my car. So it could have just happened it could be a couple months old. My mechanic just told me today while he was flushing some of my fluids. When I'm off work and go pick up my car I'll take a closer look at it, and let you guys know how bad it is. Appreciate the input, I hope all I have to do is replace the boots.

 

[awdwhip]

Like the guys said above, If you don't hear any clicking/knocking when turning or in a straight line then the joints are still good. I was unfortunate enough to encounter this and I drove the car for 4k miles with a torn boot and the cv axle was trashed afterwards. It knocked real bad when moving slow and I could still hear it at higher speeds but at the time I had to keep going because I was in the process of moving. GL!

 

[6boltpwr]

i wish this was posted just a little bit earlier. i could of gave you my perfectly good axels i just replaced with upgraded ones. i live right up the street from baltimore to.