CV Axle Replace or Reboot-Need Opinion

Hey All-

I had my truck up on a lift and noticed by boots are torn on both sides.

Theres a lot of great info on here to replace the boot or entire axle and I feel comfortable doing either job.

However, I'm not sure if my boots are too compromised to be able to reboot or should I just get the new axle? The truck is currently at 170K and I really don't beat on it and use it for camping in the summer.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Get em out and take a look at the internals...bet theyre fine.

Id reboot.

 

Reboot. The OEM boot kit from Toyota isn't too expensive.

Just make sure you have the correct snap ring and boot clamp pliers, it makes the job a breeze.

 

Awesome, thanks for the feedback.

 

It’s either clicking or it’s not.

a boot kit is like $20. An axle is not.

 

What are they?a lot of options out there

 

OP, this ^^^. And get ready for the world's largest mess. Don't ya just love moly grease? Well don't ya?

EDIT: the inboard joint takes some other brownish grease but that comes with the kit supplied by Toy. But it is not any less messy IMHO.

 

This is one:

$10 SPEEDWOX 9" Angle Tip Lock Ring Pliers for Transmission, Special Circlip Plier with Hole Angle Tip Retaining Ring Pliers Flat Nose Retaining Ring Pliers with Black Oxide Finish Ring Opening

https://www.amazon.com/SPEEDWOX-Transmission-Special-Circlip-Retaining/dp/B09QKJYNRZ?content-id=amzn1.sym.27b41115-b206-47c3-8621-713097e8442c%3Aamzn1.sym.27b41115-b206-47c3-8621-713097e8442c&crid=2A3YBP4K1SXG3&cv_ct_cx=internal+snap+ring+pliers&keywords=internal+snap+ring+pliers&pd_rd_i=B09QKJYNRZ&pd_rd_r=8e59dff6-f239-4c33-96db-d36505b16ceb&pd_rd_w=mFoFD&pd_rd_wg=EYEai&pf_rd_p=27b41115-b206-47c3-8621-713097e8442c&pf_rd_r=M5WYSVC43PAB9M09N9QY&qid=1734596229&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF+O5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=internal+snap+ring+pliers%2Caps%2C123&sr=1-4-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

and the other:

$24 ReluxGo CV Boot Clamp Pliers, Single Ear Hose Drive Shaft CV Axle Boot Clamp Removal and Installation Tool Compatible with Toyota Lexus etc OEM 09521-24010

https://www.amazon.com/ReluxGo-Removal-Installation-Compatible-09521-24010/dp/B0BTYHQQZ3?crid=2RVXLTD1ZO826&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lR7uglQCD3qeTOTY7svRXxRKCnSrMwDEI7G3i5qAws0MYeCuDz3CTan5_-GYnHaA8vt5J5UZd3ZxhIUppDL3J_GR2iNoKHmGOxTDgZAnDZ2JSU1JrlLrLHpIN4gshImQAjUUNq1CfD-VvyBKyeAl-Snm7k56176c7kuMh4JKbFNalG-6Y8M78T4lc1oyJdAd2XvtbAkH_tnWoY_dLoxatxcJQYsUR2tBlOpgWjIqEL8C0kzkYiPh2dzmSw1Ih7dNHf_cTI3bc1JJXTLSS137jVFiASiHLJm1d7bimP5vOiw.UeRbtXDSXaDYWRBz9TXVm3L0OAOPjzOAmtodIXmruHs&dib_tag=se&keywords=toyota+boot+clamp+tool&qid=1734596282&s=hi&sprefix=toyota+boot+clamp+tool%2Ctools%2C111&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

then you'll need something to mark the joints so they go back on the shaft in the correct orientation:

$8 Overseas Permanent Paint Markers Pens - 3 Pack White Oil Based Paint Pens, Medium Tip, Quick Drying and Waterproof Marker Pen for Metal, Rock, Wood, Fabric, Plastic, Canvas, Mugs, Stone, Glass

https://www.amazon.com/Permanent-Pa...1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

one last thing, a brass hammer and punch

 

I'm handy and cheap... but by no means a mechanic, and I took the rebooting OEM on. Youtube and I did just fine... first side took couple of hours and the next 45min. I used a crowbar from the center prying only outward toward the tire, it you go the other way you can damage the seal.

 

I would reboot as well. It's messy but not difficult. Buy a cheap CV band clamp tool and an OE boot kit. I understand why repair shops use the reman'd CV axle assemblies, but I've only used them once and got scored seal surfaces at the transmission, and one of the axles almost immediately pulled out of the transmission on a turn from the oversized balls that they added to take up the wear from someone driving for a year with cracked boots. Those ended up fine, but it was a PITA.

If you've been driving it for years like that and the joints are shot, then maybe a reman axle would be a good idea. Otherwise, I like new boots.