Leaking Grease from CV Boot

I'm guessing none of them from Rock Auto in the above pictures are good enough quality to install?

Keeping in mind, I don't wheel nor am I hard on my truck. I'm also from Canada so some of the parts available in the states may not be available to me. That's why I'm looking online for parts.

 

Personally, I have a real problem with people that buy their own parts and take them to a shop to have them installed. You wouldn't take a steak to a classy restaurant and say, "I'd like it medium rare". There's a markup for the shop. There's no secret to that. That's part of their income to keep the doors open. Also, if a shop supplies the part and it fails, the shop is going to stand behind it, even if they have to eat the labor. If a shop is willing to install customer provided parts, that doesn't say much for the quality of their work. Basically, "Things are so slow around here that we'll take on any job we can get, even it means making less money". Now, supplying Bilsteins to the dealer when they're doing a frame swap, that's a whole different deal. They're getting paid very well to do that frame swap.

 

I understand where you're coming from. The reason I ask about the parts is because my uncle does mechanics from home, therefore supplying my own parts makes sense. If I can do it with a friend, then supplying my own parts also makes sense.

If I can't do it with someone then I'll bite the bullet and have a shop do it. I have no issues having a shop do the work and supply the parts.

 

If you're going to install it yourself just get something middle of the road price-wise. Don't need the most expensive but dont get the cheapest/bargain basement one either..

If you plan on having a shop do it then i agree with @Muddinfun , let the shop choose the axle that goes on the truck, as they are the ones that will/should stand behind it.

 

This makes total sense. Why pay labor from a shop if I'm going to void my own warranty by supplying parts.

 

Its a respect thing too.. the shop does this stuff for a living, they know what parts will last. They don't want to have to do something over again for free because they used a cheapie part.

Alot of guys on here will automatically assume that all shops are going to use crap parts, but thats not how it works in the real world. if you've got a good reputation as a quality shop, you're not going to risk pissing off a customer with poor quality parts. Its not worth it..

Most of the guys that complain about getting screwed by a shady shop are the same guys that shop around and find the absolute cheapest shop to go to.. and then complain when the repair doesnt work out in the end..

Dont mean to rant, im just advocating for shops that are doing it the right way!

Good luck with the install if you end up tackling it yourself, lots if good write-ups on here about doing axles. Check YouTube too.. you will need a big socket for the axle nut and a torque wrench when it goes back on

 

Agreed, and I definitely don't want to take away from the good reputable shops. Crappy parts will most likely cause more headaches in the end.

I've been reading a lot of threads on replacements as well as videos posted on here, and there seems to be a good bit of information available. My main reason for wanting to change the part out myself is to #1 Learn, and #2 understand the mechanics that go into these moving parts.

I think right now, I'm just trying to determine whether I need a new boot kit or a whole new axle assembly before moving forward. From what I've read, I dont seem to have the symptoms clicking symptoms of a bad CV axle, yet.

 

it can go either way.. putting boots on can be a greasy mess and you have to get the clamps tight or theyll leak anyway after your done. Thats a lot of work just to be flinging grease around as soon as you hit the road again..

Again, replacing the whole axle is easier but you are spending a little more.

Its a trade off

 

Agreed. Either way, thanks for the advice. From what I've read, swapping out the axle can be done in 30mins depending on experience and if all goes right.

For future assurance, I may replace the entire axle because I honestly cant say whether it has been changed before. Is an alignment required after changing it?

 

Am I missing something? Did they forget to put CV boots on my truck back in 2010? Maybe there was a shortage in the CV boot making factory and they said, “F*** it, no boot needed. Let it ride!!”

 

Napa reman axles are the best

Do not go to orielly or autozone!

 

Napa MaxDrive Remanufactured cv axle only $62.

 

No alignment needed, the only suspension bolts that are really going to affected are the lower bolt joint/knuckle bolts and they're a pretty snug fit. Torque the lower knuckle bolts to 173 lb/ft

 

I ran those and it was a great axle. Held up to serious abuse. It was an OEM axle as well

 

I'd do the entire axle at those prices. On an older vehicle with a lot of miles (over 100K), I'd say going with a reman is fine. The RockAuto A-1 Cardone should be fine. On a much younger vehicle, I'd likely go OEM. The different local auto parts stores may carry various brands that likely come from the same places, so don't overthink it.

If it's only got small holes, still has grease in it, and you don't go wheeling in remote places, I'd just clean it up, seal it with some silicone or whatever and drive it until it starts sounding funny. Which may be never.

 

Please take a picture of your CV axles on your PreRunner. I really want to see what they look like.

Not being a jerk here, but you dont have CV axles if you indeed have a Prerunner...

 

Looks like someone stole them. Damn CV boot theives!!!