Drivers CV Axle "pulling apart"

I recently replace the front drivers CV axle since the boot was tearing apart and the inner joint bearings were binding up. I had a GSP axle put in about 2 weeks ago ($170CAD) and I started having some alignment issue this past week so I brought it in for a shop to check my alignment and hopefully realign the wheels. I now know from reading some reviews that GSP axles have cause people a lot of issues, so if this one is bad can some reputable brands be recommended?

I got a call from the shop shortly after dropping it off for the alignment and he said that the axle is starting to "pull apart" on the diff side (from my understanding its that joint bearing coming out/dislodged from the boot housing it sits in).

I dont see how the axle can be the wrong length for my truck as the part number matched up for my vehicle. The GSP axle # is

$55 NCV69170 CV Axle Shaft Assembly - Left or Right Front (Driver or Passenger Side)

NCV69170, and my truck is a 2010 tacoma base, 4L V6, 4WD. This should be the correct axle for my truck.

Now my first question is can this actually happen where the axle joint bearings (idk what they are called) can extend so far out that it will pop out of that boot housing? Or is this guy just trying to rip me off?

Secondly, if it is possible, how can I tell that this is what's happening? I haven't noticed any irregular sensations/vibrations while driving and there are no symptoms of a bad axle. When I feel around the boot I dont think i can feel anything "pulled out" but im not really sure what it should normally feel like.

i took some pictures of the axle how it sits right now but its tough to tell whats actually going on. the boot itself does seem sorta stretched out?

Can anyone provide some insight on this?

 

Not too sure what is going on but I can assure you that if the joint was separating you would definitely feel vibes and hear clicking. For a CV axle I would spend some more and go OEM

 

how often would this clicking be?

I have noticed some clicking, but it only seems to be when i first start the truck and drive when its really cold (-20 and colder). I dont imagine this would be from the axle?

 

It would be all the time. That sound is called the Tacoma tick and is nothing to worry about.

 

do you know if id be able to tell if its separating by feeling around the boot or?

 

If you are not hearing/feeling anything the joint is not "separating." CV axles click like crazy even when they just wear out. if it was separated you know it. you would be locking up on turns, and large bumps as well as a constant loud ticking.

 

that's all very helpful, thank you!

can you see a reason as to why the boot is stretched/pushed the way that it is?

 

Cant be sure but that boot wont last long in that condition. I would definitely recommend getting an OEM axle.

 

Cheers!

 

Looks like you just need to vent the boot, it draw a vacuum causing what you are seeing. There is no where for the cv axle to “pull apart” to, as it’s connected to both ends solidly.

 

what would cause it to suck in like that? maybe just the temperature going real cold all of a sudden? whats the best way to vent the boot?

 

An extreme temperature change such as driving for a while and hitting a cold puddle or snow. You can get a new clamp and just take the old one off, put a small screwdriver or punch between the axle and boot and it should re expand. Then clean the surface area where the new clamp will go prior to reclamping otherwise the grease inside will keep from getting a good seal.

 

sounds good, ill look into a new clamp.

Thanks for the info

 

the oem clamp is 4234504060. You’ll need a special clamping tool such as this one

$29 Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-30800-Boot-Clamp-Pliers/dp/B0002SREPY?crid=22C73WUUPFKGV&keywords=cv+clamp+tool&qid=1644115946&sprefix=cv+clam%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-8

 

Appreciate it!

I haven't watched how to put a new clamp on yet but will I need take apart the front end to slide it over the axle or is it open so I can just bend it around?

 

you can open it up just like a worm clamp so no need to remove the axle off the truck.

 

Perfect thanks for the info!

In regards to that ticking and vibration symptoms for a bad axle, how noticable are these if they are happening?

Is it something I could notice/hear from inside my truck or is it more of a windows down on a quiet road type of thing?

 

you should be able to hear it with the windows up. It will click and clack like an old clydesdale going down a paved road, the turns when moving will make it even more pronounced. You should also be able to jack the vehicle up and spin the wheel by hand and hear it to be able to isolate the problem.

 

Just want to add here that I believe I've seen this before (and zero chance I'll find the thread although I'm looking). The issue in the prior person's case was there was actually a slight difference in the length of the axles they used to replace the failed axle. I believe this is also something that has lead a bunch of people to failed axles very soon after replacing with brand new NON-OEM parts and the length discrepancy is likely the main issue.

From the picture, it's hard to tell if it's being pulled out due to a length difference or if the boot is just secured too far down the shaft. But if it were me I'd check the length and make sure you're not coming up short.

 

The specs on the current axle states the length is 25.472 in. (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gna-ncv69170). I havent been able to find anything regarding the length of a toyota oem axle, but from looking at other aftermarket options I see that they are all roughly between 25.3 - 25.5in.