Hi All,
I recently changed the wheel bearing on the front driver side wheel. While taking out the bearing the metallic CV join dust cap(where the CV joint connects to the bearing) became bent and I left it out since I had to get the car in a working condition soon. The job took a lot of time and I am wondering if it should open the whole thing up or if I'll be ok without it? Any thoughts would be very helpful. thanks

 

To be safe open the CV joint and thoroughly clean same and inspect. If ok repack with the proper grease -- don't *over do it* -- fit a new boot and that's that.

Even if you decide to fit just a new dust boot -- not what I'd recommend (see above) -- you still have considerable work facing you to get the CV joint to where you can properly install a new boot.

And while you are there, whichever way you go, you probably need to consider the other side.