has anyone ever repacked their cv joints with new ball bearings as opposed to getting new outer joints ?

also, if my cv boot isnt torn but came loose from a broken clamp, how ghetto would it be to just shoot some grease into the outer joint and reclamp the boot, instead of having to takeout the whole axle?

You have to pull the joint apart to put on a new boot either way.
You may need snap ring pliers, did remember which joint need them. And be careful if it is the ball and cage as the little balls like to fall out and roll around.

It can be done with the axle in the car (did both passenger side axles boots), it is real messy and not much fun. On the bright side I got 2 boot kits for $20 (included grease and everything) and they are still holding up.

nx2kracer is correct. the joint needs to come off (the outer one) to replace the boot if just that. also thats wherer the ball bearings are at.

you can just repack the boot you have get a new clamp and be good just make sure you clean out the old grease to make sure their is no dirt and debree's stuck in their that will f up your bearings. and yes it can be done with the axle still in. and is better since you wont drip tranny fluid when you take out the axle and make more of a mess

thanx guys, but i was wondering if anyone has ever just changed out the 'ball bearings' (little balls) instead of trading in for a new outer joint...

Whenever I replace the boots I completely disassemble the joints (contrary to the service manual), clean them up and repack them if they are still serviceable.

Of the 12 or so joints I've done on various cars over the years, the wear points are NOT the balls. The inner race and the outer race wears and eventually pits.

In other words, no, you cannot just replace the balls.

Dave