What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Yeah, I've got a steering boot that keeps making me think the seals are going but then I remember it was the side that the CV boot tore. One day, that will bite me...

 

It's just a sad reminder of how much maintenance I need to do... Haha

 

Just checked both of the cv boots and there both ripped... Ughhhhh

 

Yeah, I just got done with a wrench week and there is still more to be done. I really need to get it in for an alignment.

 

Stuff that NEEDS to be done:

LBJ's
Outer tie rods
Possibly wheel bearings

Other stuff:

cv's
carrier bearing
whatever is making a noise under the hood (probably a pulley going out)

 

Too bad you still aren't here in NM, could have knocked out all that the during my wrench week.

 

I know...

Hopefully I'll be there again some day.

 

So do you guys suggest just changing out the whole cv axle or try and just change the boot?

 

Personally I'd put a new cv in on both sides and then reboot as needed on the old ones and keep them as spares.

 

Sold my Autana RTT last night.

 

TGP Boot kits are roughly $30. There is one trick to taking off the tripod but otherwise, just need a vise, a hammer, a small punch and a pair of good CV boot clamp pliers. It is a bit messy but if you are liberal with the paper towels, not that bad.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/259729-tomtoms-03-trd-xtra-cab-31.html#post7954202

 

Aren't new cv axles fairly cheap? I might just grab those from autozone, how important are torn cv boots to get to? Could they wait a week or two? Also do u just get oem obj and auto zone cvs?

 

easy way to solve your cv boot troubles

 

I am a big fan of TGP. Especially after the great flywheel debacle of 2012. However, TGP CV axles are a little pricey, (~$300 ea.)

Many folks get the auto zone CVs. They have some sort of lifetime guarantee which I guess many folks cash in on. However, I don't think Autozone delivers, especially to BFE...

 

As far as how soon to get to them, it depends on how long they've been torn. CVs can go awhile with torn boots but best to replace at earliest possible.

 

Yeah I have no idea how long I just noticed today.. But if I'm planning on just changing the whole cv it won't be a huge deal if they sit for a week or two? Should I check my front diff fluid? Or is it a separate thing..

 

The way I do it, the hammer is meant to be used in conjunction with the puller. Mine were so seized that just torquing down the puller didn't work. So I gave the knuckle a love tap. The shock/vibe + applied force popped 'em loose. Shouldn't have to hit it hard. Just put a little swing to it.

 

Been running torn boots for 6 months now with no issues. But if you have the time and money to replace them you might as well haha

Diff fluid should be fine as long as you're not showing any signs of leaking between the cv's and the diff.

You'll want to replace those seals when you install new cv;s.

 

Get to it at your earliest convenience. Worse that can happen is needle bearing failure and possibly the axle snapping.

The diff fluid is separate. You will see when you pull the CV.

 

Depends on the condition of the seals.