CV Boot tear advice

Hello everyone, this is my first post here on Tacoma World, but I have been reading a ton ever since I got my 2009 TRD Sport. I recently discovered my passenger side CV boot is spraying grease like crazy. I have heard of these 2 piece glue together boot replacements, and have pretty much rules those out as being reliable.

I haven't noticed any change in functionality, or odd noise from the CV. My question is, Is it even worth replacing the boot? Or is it safe to assume the CV Joint itself is either shot, or soon to be shot and just replace the axle all together?

I am thinking of just replacing and axle and doing both while I am there, but looking for all you experienced folk to weigh in with your personal experiences.

Thank you ahead of time for all your help! Glad to finally be a Tacoma owner!

 

I wouldn't even bother just replacing the boot. If your gonna do the work to get there, just replace the whole thing. i've done both of my axles due to torn boots. OEM axle shafts are way to0 much $$ and CVJ is good stuff, but still a little pricey. I got the heavy duty axles from Napa with the stronger boots. Never had an issue with them and i wheel a few times a month. Im sure others will chime in with options.

 

I think those "glue together" boots are garbage. As are those "tiny bolt together" boots. I've tried both in emergencies in the past, and they are NOT worth the powder it would take to blow 'em to hell. When the shaft turns, the joint wobbles, and the glue joints or those bolted together seams split. Looks good in theory. Sucks in practice.

You can replace the boot, but it is as much (or maybe more) work as replacing the entire shaft with boot, but of course it won't cost near as much money. If you choose to go the cheap way, be sure to grease the bejesus out of it again since most of it has slung out. Also watch for grit and water if you have been in messy places with the boot ripped. No point in covering up a CV joint hat is full of grit, you will be taking it off again relatively quickly.

 

I too have about a 3" front lift and burned through my inner boots at around 70k miles. I replaced the stock axles with CVJ remanufactured axles and paid the extra few bucks for high-mileage inner boots, and now have a blown inner boot on that set at about 118k miles.

I am also trying to decide which aftermarket shafts to go with, as my primary concern is losing angle with something other than a Toyota joint. I've read stories of guys snapping aftermarket axles with lifted trucks and don't want to make that mistake.

That said, I don't know which to purchase now, and CVJ is no longer local for me so I need another alternative. In for the results...

 

Lifts kill CV boots. That being said, the two piece replacements are pretty much a thing of the past for most vehicles. Besides that, the labor is about the same to fix the boot or replace the whole thing. I'd call Rock Auto and get a new half shaft.

 

http://stores.ebay.com/spaldingautopartsinc/_i.html?_nkw=tacoma+axle+shaft&submit=Search+Store

Practically new OEM toyota cv axles for the same price as cvj WITHOUT a core.

Thank me later

 

How "Practically new" are these if they're from a parts yard?

 

check the link, they are all from 2014 taco's

 

I caught my CV boot tear pretty early, I did a cv boot replacement with a super flexible offroad boot from Kartek
http://www.kartek.com/Category/168/Rubber-CV-Boots.aspx
I don't remember which model, but the folks there can help you out. You do have to save the tri-lobe portion of your original boot and clamp this over it. Been running with it for 50K+ miles so far. Kartek also has a race style temp cover for emergencies only that looks promising.

 

How did you tear the stock cv joint down for the boot replacement? I've only done one axle before and it was a train-wreck when the press finally broke it open... I had needle bearings all over the shop floor. I've been reluctant to even try it again after that experience, but have all of the tools at my disposal to give it a go. I'm positive that my joint is in good shape, just my boot has given up the ghost.

 

I think I am going to go with CVJ with the silicone inner boots. There are a ton of options, but for the price, CVJ seems to be the best option for me right now.

As an additional question, I have seen multiple walkthroughs on CV axle swaps, and it is pretty simple, except half of the walkthroughs say the axle needs to be machine pressed into the wheel bearing, and others are saying they can be done by hand. Anyone have experience with either of those methods?

 

Just read that walk through and realized I misunderstood. I am not removing the bearing so shouldn't have to worry about that at all

 

I actually just moved to the Florida panhandle, no no longer paying international shipping fees!

 

Swap the boots using an OEM toyota kit. Not difficult and much better then an aftermarket reman axle. Make sure you do it soon as you don't want to run the CV dry.

 

The grease in the torn boot is very contaminated with sand and dirt, and I've noticed some play in the joint, so i think its too late for a boot fix. I have no idea how long it has been torn.

 

Just another option to consider. For what it's worth, both my inner CV's were torn for just over 50k miles. I did plenty of wheeling, mudding, etc without any major issues. Not advising that, just my experience.

http://www.offroadsolutions.com/products/high-angle-inner-cv-boot/

 

Hah, i did the same thing. Not quite 50k, but i went like 20k with torn boots. Toyota cv axles are pretty tough.

 

Well if you think they are shot replace then tear them apart to see if they are worn beyond use. If they aren't, rebuild and you've got a set of oem spares. If they are shot turn them in as the cores if you went the re-manufactured route.

 

OP, what did you end up doing? If you purchased new CV Axles, where did you buy them from & how are they working out for you?

 

I haven't done it yet. Debating between CVJ or buying new Heavy duty. I am doing it soon, I've noticed more and more play in my passenger side CV woth the torn boot, so it's time to fix it, just waiting on my new lift parts and to decide on what CV option I want to take