CV Boot or CV Shaft Replacement

I have an 08 4.0 taco 4x4 and I have been catching up on much needed maitenance now that money isn't so tight. The boots are torn on both sides and look pretty rough. I was looking over a bunch of the CV related posts and I am not really sure if i just need to replace the bootsn and seals, or if I should replace the whole shaft. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I am not sure if this is related to the CV shaft or not, but I am noticing a knock going around corners that is coming from the front driverside wheel. I can't pinpoint exactly where it comes from but I figured it might be related to the CV shaft since it's the only thing that stands out to my eye.

 

Fwiw, I have a knock that appears on turns every once in a while. I can't pinpoint it and I though it might've been the cv as well. I had already replaced everything else I could think of (body mount bushings, LCAs, etc). It's still there.
Anyway, I guess it depends on your patience. If you want to pull the shaft and reboot it, that's obviously a cheaper alternative. Personally, I opted to just swap in a new cv for sake of time. Same with all other components I've replaced. Then if you find yourself going through axles often, keep one as a spare that is already rebuilt and ready to go.

 

I installed a new cv axle instead of rebuilding mine, new ones aren't expensive so its not worth my time rebuilding them.

 

I had the boots go out on mine in colorado and had both replaced out there so I could keep wheeling. This summer Ill do a once over and see if I can just replace the boot and be done or if it needs to be rebuilt. If i can save them with a boot ill do that and have a pair of OEM spares. If not Ill sell them to someone or something and pick up some new ones for spares.

 

If it were me, I'd likely replace them and keep the originals for spares pending a future rebuild. Then, four years from now, I'd get tired of moving them around my shop and give them to someone that needs them.......

 

I was thinking the same, rock auto has them at $45 a piece. That seems well worth the time and effort saved. I guess it's just a matter of preference then? Hopefully this removed the knock.

 

I would run remanufactured axles for sure. Make sure the seals on the front diff aren't leaking because now is the time to change them.

 

people are supposed to replace boots every 100k but most do not
they are like $20
it is easiest to start with a boot kit
shafts do not wear out. they break if you jump a rock.
CV joints develop play and click when their boot is left torn for a long time, necessitating joint replacement that costs more than a boot replacement.

other components may be worn such as ball joints. It is not a bad idea to start with what is known to be bad. Such as a loose CV joint.
Anything on a front suspension tends to start going bad at 100k.

I am curious to know what upgrades there are. Certain companies sell bigger boot kits to handle higher angles associated with lifted suspension, which 99% of Tacoma's have.
It seems pointless to install a stock boot design onto something with 2, 2.5, 3" or greater lift.

OEM is usually better quality than aftermarket, with stronger metal that is more precisely ground.

 

I have nothing to add other than, you might as well do the ECGS Bushing while you are at it.
You are 90% there with the axle removed.

 

Most cheap auto store new CVs are Chinese/foreign junk.
If keeping the Tacoma look at:
CVJ Axles - CV Axles & Steering Racks for all your needs (cvjreman.com)

 

I never thought of replacing my CV boots as part of regular maintenance...I don't recall seeing a service interval anywhere for them either. Is the 100k quoted above the general concensus and that the boots should be replaced as part of regular maintenance?

 

Anyone run the cheap ones from rockauto or generic parts stores?

i dont feel like paying 390 for oem..

 

CVJ Axles best stockers are about $200 ea. Much better than the Chinese axles at the auto stores. Based on my reading, some have had luck with the discount axles and others haven't. Spending a little more for peace of mind is worth it in the long run......

 

200 usd plus core plus shipping i think its cheaper to go with oems at that point

 

But you get your core charge back. It's only about $30 for the return shipping.

 

My shafts were fine and I replaced the boots with the tutorials on this website. Took about an hour plus on first side and half hour on the second. Mine slightly lifted so did the boot spacer mod on this web site also. I think stock joints are much better. Had a little trouble with the band strap on one of the boots slipping and just ended up using a radiator band on it, no problems.