CV Dust Cover Necessary?

Replaced front bearing along with inner seal. The cv dust cover (pn 90304-a0002) was completely deteriorated, and after searching extensively for aftermarket replacement I realized it’s only available through Toyota/dealer for $47. - about half of what I paid for the whole bearing assembly and the inner seal. When I asked my local mechanic about it he admitted he puts them back on when they’re still in good shape, but if they’re extensively deteriorated (or missing) he doesn’t replace them. What’s the consensus on this?

 

If I lived in a place where road salt and or corrosion is an issue, ( I do) I’d want the cover on. Fighting rusty splines on CV= not fun.

 

There are various substitutions for the part, 9030483001, 9030483002, etc. The latter is available for $18 from Dubai: https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=9030483002 or $34 at Lakeland Toyota in Florida: https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/__/16096090/9030483002.html but you'd have to pay shipping.

The seal is needed to get good service life from the wheel bearing and wheel speed sensor. Otherwise the cavity in the knuckle is open to the elements.

 

You could simply buy a new dust cover for $13 from rock auto and hammer it the fuck on.

 

Who’s the manufacturer and what part number on that at rock auto, because the whole reason I’m asking about how necessary the cv dust seal is is because I’ve only been able to find it at the dealer for just under $50. It would be nice if I missed it at rock auto for 13 bucks, and I can get it for that little. Thanks

 

The cavity in the steering knuckle is sealed by the inner hub seal, and there’s various aftermarket replacements for it, but that cv dust seal seems to be strictly a Toyota part.

 

Not quite. The seal on the inboard side of the knuckle mates with the seal on the CV joint. Missing one of the two and the sealing action doesn't happen. The seal on the inboard side of the knuckle should come from the factory with grease applied on the inner diameter.

 

No aftermarket equivalent for 90304-A0001
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gasket-on-front-axle-cv-shaft.800356/

 

Junk yard???
I would replace it
It is less expensive than the parts it protects.

 

Link from rock auto please

 

Thanks for the replies. Looks like a definite need for replacement. Dan