I recently brought my '90 Corolla Wagon (150,000 miles) to a Toyota
dealership to have a timing belt replaced. They said I also needed new
cv boots costing around a total of $600.

About three years ago at 100,000 miles a mechanic in a two-man garage
mentioned the same thing, only he said it wasn't worth it to replace
the boots at that mileage. Now, 50,000 miles later, I'm told by a
dealership that If I don't replace the boots I'll need to replace the
joints (meaning the whole axle assembly for $1000 total) which,
according to them are okay.

In doing some research on my own on the internet, I've discovered that
half or split boots are sold as an aftermarket product and are much
easier to install since they don't require complete removal of the
axles. Could these be installed more cheaply? Are they as good a
solution? Or should I just drive till I sense failure of the cv
joints? I have no indications whatever they are failing at this time.

The car is in good condition and I believe it could last another 100
to 150,000 miles.
 
Any mechanics you might recommend in SF Bay area?

Hello curtiss, I might be the perfect person to answer your question.
We faced the exact same decision on my wife's '88 Chrysler back in
May, 2000. I was sick when I noticed that the CV boots were both
ripped. The car had 98,600 miles at the time and I knew what was
involved in replacing them with one piece boots. A mechanic friend had
mentioned that he had used the split boots before and I decided to try
that route. I am not a mechanic by trade, but I have had some success
with other projects. I located the split boots at the local NAPA
store. My wife never throws away paperwork so I have the ticket
sitting here before me. The boots were $16.99 per side and the P/N
info says SPB334 UD Boot Kit. The kit came with grease and all
necessary clamps/spacers/glue. The car now has 113,918 miles and the
boots are in great shape. The CV joints also seem to be in good
condition. If you are any kind of mechanic at all, you can install the
boots yourself. It is a fairly dirty job and the most important part
is getting the CV joints clean before applying the new grease. The
boots are not hard to install, but keeping the area to be glued
perfectly clean is a little hairy. I think that if your joints are now
in good shape (as your mechanic said) you should replace the boots
ASAP. Dirt in the joints will wear them real quick as will operating
without lubricant. I agree with your statement that the car could last
another 100,000 miles. CV joints last forever if they are kept clean
and lubed. The best way to tell if your joints are in good condition
is to listen for noises as you turn the wheel all the way to one side
and then the other while driving. If you don't hear a clicking sound,
then your joints are probably worth saving. I don't know any mechanics
in your area. It doesn't take a real great mechanic to do this job.
What is needed is someone that will take great care in cleaning the
joints and making sure that the glued area is clean before
application. Someone with a personal interest in you and your car
would be best (you if you can do it). One more suggestion. I used
gasoline and a paint brush to clean the joints. If I had it to do
again, I would spend a few extra bucks and buy some spray brake
cleaner. It would make the job much easier. I hope you decide to do it
yourself. If you have any more questions that I might be able to help
with, ask for a clarification.

Good luck, Redhoss

I have just taken a automotive service course, and I agree that a one
split boot will be faster to install. However you should not clean
parts with gasoline, gas does not flash off completely, it does leave
residue. Use Spray brake cleaner or parts washer.