CV Axle Questions

Just changed out the pass side CV axle on my '95. The inner boot had torn right by the small clamp. When I tried to pull it out it seemed to have separated inside the boot. As in, when I rotated the spindle away, it just got longer and wouldn't pull out of the spindle. I had to drive it out. Does that indicate it is broken/damaged? Any way to tell for sure without opening it up? I was planning on a re-boot, but if it needs rebuilding I will probably just donate it to someone, as I don't have the skills/tools for a rebuild. Also, are the axles the same left to right? TIA Stan

 

The CV is held into the front diff with a small clip. To get it out of the diff, you generally use a pry bar between the diff and CV shoulder to "pop" it out.

So no, the fact that the CV "got longer" does not indicate that it is damaged. However it's generally good to try to keep the CV in the same orientation (i.e. the three rollers in the same three cups), if you can...since they've worn into those cups over the miles.

Here's a write-up I recently did on re-booting, which also talks about how to remove/install the CV from/to the diff. As you can see, my boot tore in the same place as yours.

How-to: Rebooting a Tacoma CV Axle

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I read and used your write-up for the dismantle. Very helpful. Maybe I didn't phrase the question properly. Are the three rollers held into the cups by any mechanical means such as a snap ring, or are they just set in there? The fact that they separated normal, or something broken? Thanks.

 

The roller head is not held into the cup mechanically; the boot is what keeps the CV (with the roller head) and cup (that covers the roller head and goes into the front diff) together.

The roller head is held onto the CV mechanically however, and the rollers themselves are held onto the head mechanically. Should any of those come apart without purposeful disassembly, you need a new CV.

 

Thanks. I will get the reboot kit you linked in your post & fix it up for a spare. Anybody know if the axles are the same left or right?

 

They are.

 

Shafts are the same right to left. Napa sells a good replacement for like 70$.

 

Thanks, gentlemen!

 

Good Info. May do this soon on my 2000 Prerunner

 

Prerunners don't have CV axles.