CV Axle replacement

I did just say that the boot is ripped. I did not know that they sold a boot replacement. I assumed that it was an all-in-one kind of thing. I was wrong.

 

Here's a good video on how to replace a damaged CV boot if you decide to tackle it yourself...

https://youtu.be/YH5Cf7uJV5Y

 

x3 or 4 for stock boot replacement kit... I had trouble with the bands and special band tool, so ended up using large radiator type clamps and never looked back. Also did used boot slide mod on this site as I have a small lift. Also, I am fairly handy, but never tried anything like this before and followed step by step instructions found on a write up here and had no problem... 1.5 hours on first side and 45min. on the other

 

I believe there’s a special tool for it
That I don’t have because I work on different brand cars that use a different style clamp and tool.

I think I got it done with pliers and flathead. Was difficult but worked.

one thing I don’t like is putting dents on the CV prying it out the truck. Later on I found a product I forget company name, mainly made for off road repair. Some rope type of tool that wraps over it to yank it out. I imagine it would still work in a garage.

 

I tried to use tool and pliers and screwdrivers too but couldn't get anything to work... bought 3-4 inch radiator clamps and tightened the heck out of them

 

I wouldn’t necessarily do both sides as a proactive measure. As someone else mentioned, if you frequently use your truck to get to extremely remote places and depend on it to get you home, that’s maybe a different conversation. A sudden catastrophic axle failure is pretty unlikely- in other words, you should have some warning when the other side needs attention.

I think a Toyota reboot kit is a good option. I ended up replacing both axles with new OEM purchased from Toyota around 240k when I had ripped boots on both sides. I would absolutely NOT recommend any parts store type aftermarket axles. The Toyota axles are far superior and well worth the money, both in terms of longevity and ease of install. I have learned that lesson the hard way on a previous vehicle.

 

Any suggestions for a good OEM-quality CV boot kit?

1. OEM boot kit 04428-04010 I ordered in May has just been delayed again until September...
2. Rockauto boot kit prices imply cheap quality
3. There is an OEM one on ebay for $135 - nah thanks.
4. Raxles doesn't make them for Tacomas
5. The current NAPA axle boot is starting to crack so I'm not going the NAPA route again
6. The OEM reman'd axle I read about here is not available (https://parts.frontiertoyota.com/oe...axle-2005-2015-tacoma-4wd-434300407084?c=az0x)
7. Don't want to spend on a new OEM axle (assuming they are also not on backorder)

https://www.cvjreman.com/product/bootrt08/ could work since I have a 2" lift but kinda overkill and priced accordingly.

Thanks

 

RockAuto is great!

 

I've had a ripped boot for a few years now. I pump grease in the rip every so often.

The axle still has not failed. I'm not the only one driving around with a ripped boot either. I'm always spying on other 4x4 trucks when I'm in a parking lot and i see ripped boots all the time.

 

I remember when i did mine, there was a mod write up for the boot slide method for people who had higher lifts, and someone had replied about a company that made super tough boots that looked good

 

I just got mine done last month, and I found out about the crimper needed for the rings on the outside. It’s not expensive and works good! I used hose clamps for a week waiting on the tool to arrive! It crimps those SS clamps with ease!

 

I replaced my torn boots with ones from Dobinson about 7 months ago. Can't really speak to the quality yet because they have only been on a short time, but I do wheel a fair bit in the Sierras and the California desert and haven't noticed anything yet.

I think I paid $40 per set, but looks like they are $50 per set now.
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-high-clearance-outer-cv-boot-kit-for-toyota-lexus/

 

I was about to start a new topic about this, but found this by using the search box.

I have a ripped boot on a good axle and need to fix it or replace. The reviews on Amazon are horrible (everything on there is China junk anyway, nothing gets 90% 5 star reviews), but nearly every axle is too long, too short, arrived damaged and most certainly not OEM quality. What's worse is I keep reading that the boots tear after a short time, I can't find a boot that doesn't have complaints, the OEM boots are on backorder.

Are these CVJ axle boots about the best we can get other than OEM?? I do have a 2 1/2" lift, so they won't hurt, although none of my other boots have ripped since the truck was new. If there are any other boots that have lasted someone for 100K, please share that brand please, thanks...

 

CVJ axles are OEM, they only rebuild OEM axles with OEM parts.

 

Where did you get this and how much was it?

 

I went the CVJ Axle boot route and made a video about it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npw8ryhF-bY&t=330s

I like these for crimping cv boot clamps

$34 Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SREPY

 

its on Amazon. Runs about $25

 

I got mine off on Amazon, $21., and here is a link…..https://a.co/d/8mOqQft

 

Those crimpers aren’t any good if you use the stainless steel bands, I broke 2 of the tools, before getting the good tool that Toyota, and Lexus made for it, and I’ll never use anything else, the SS clamp are the best the light ones won’t last as long, or clamp as tight.

 

Only hopping in here because I just purchased two new OEM CVs to toss some long travel axle shafts into. I don't know how regional pricing is, but do check with your local dealership parts department before you make the assumption that new units are cost prohibitive. Brand new oems were only $217 each.