Can I run it like this?

[IchabodCrayne]

The propeller shaft boot in front of trans cooling fan is rotted and open. I went to dealer and they are trying to get pre authorization to replace under warranty.
I told them I can't be without the tractor for long as I have much to do. Service tech told me to just run it as the joint is sealed anyway and won't be hurt running with a torn boot.
Does anyone have experience to confirm or deny this? Is the joint sealed, can I run it without causing damage?
View attachment 566226

 

[M5farms]

the boot is there to keep dirt and dust out of the joint. It likely will not hurt any thing . I would drive it like I stole it.

 

[Rock Crawler]

That boot is the seal, the joint inside is a CV style tulip with balls packed in grease. I have disassembled those 2 joints on my BX25 to pull the shaft and replace the HST fan. I would at least do my best at using electrical or duct tape to seal it up as well as reasonably possible. Once you get dirt kicking up into the air it will contaminate the grease and cause accelerated wear on the polished balls and the CV tulip assembly.

There are no additional seals, if you look inside of a split in that boot you will be looking at the greasy steel components.

 

[diesel85]

Go to your local auto store and buy a section of radiator hose a little bigger than the diameter, and slice it in half. Place it over the offending boot, and get two or three zip ties and tie it on there, and cut the excess off the zip tie. It's a good get-you-by.

Or you can use electric tape or even better... the mans best friend... (next to dogs), duct tape.

 

[IchabodCrayne]

Thanks.. I was pretty sure the joint was open to the world when the boot is torn. Typical dealership B.S.
I can hear it now.. Well the boot was warranty but you ran it and ruined the joint/shaft so repair is $$$$.
Oddly though there were/are no clamps on either boot. If the boot is the only protection why are there no clamps on them?

 

[Rock Crawler]

Thanks.. I was pretty sure the joint was open to the world when the boot is torn. Typical dealership B.S.
I can hear it now.. Well the boot was warranty but you ran it and ruined the joint/shaft so repair is $$$$.
Oddly though there were/are no clamps on either boot. If the boot is the only protection why are there no clamps on them?

If my memory is correct, the boot is formed with a smaller diameter bread on the ID that fits into a groove that is snug. It's not a high speed joint like your car or truck has, so it doesn't really need a clamp to resist centrifugal forces.

But please check my memory, go grab a light and look into the split.

 

[IchabodCrayne]

Thanks for the info everyone.
Warranty repair was ok'd and boots (2) were ordered. I decided to just pick up the boots and do it myself as I wanted to "learn" my machine and take the time to anti-seize the associated hardware.
I went from the top, removing deck, battery + tray, ROPS, seat and fenders. Not as bad as it sounds.. about 6 hrs and two beers. I could likely do it in 4.5 hrs next time.
To clarify for anyone else who doesn't know..the boot is indeed the only protection from the elements for these joints. If the boot is torn the joint is at risk.

 

[davedj1]

I do know auto parts stores and atv/utv parts deptmartments will have a split repair boot in various sizes. Just for future reference.
two piece cv boot kit - Google Search