Stupid CV axle

So i noticed recently that the fins on the boots on my cv axles were touching each other, so i decided to do the cv boot slide mod. Got some new clamps, pulled the boots just a little so the fins werent touching and tightened back up. Everything went well except, after about a 20 min drive, when i got home, i noticed grease everywhere on the underneath driverside...guess what..either the boot was already worn too far or i accidently cut it or something when putting on new clamps.

So, now i guess i need a new cv axle?? i've replaced these b4 on other vehicles, are they a pita on these 2nd gens?? lastly how much does a new oe one cost from toyota??

 

Just replace the boot....

 

the boot job is fairly involved, but not particularily difficult.

oem axle is close to 500$ as I was quoted by local dealer.

I paid 55$ for oem boots.

boot replacement by me:http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/269828-ecgs-bushing-cv-boot-replacement-how.html

 

good write up. It looks like changing the boot is almost just as much work as changing the cv axle itself! My 2002 tacoma had torn cv boots for about 35k of its life and i never gave a crap on that truck and it never gave me an issue, could that just be luck??

 

Holy crap, 500$ for oem?!! thats crazy. I noticed Rockauto had them for like 50-60$.

 

Rock Auto can be hit or miss. For any part that has a high labor cost to install, I like to buy OEM or better quality. There is almost no chance that a $50 complete axle assembly is going to meet that standard. The boot alone are probably around $50. You can buy OEM parts for much less than the dealer pricing by shopping online. Research!

Mike

 

you can get much cheaper axles. I have heard they are weaker but should be ok under normal operation.

when playing in rocks at full lock and full droop I think is when they snap. or when you get nasty wheel hop.

replacing the boots on an existing axle is FAR more work than replacing the entire axle. either way it has to come out, which is pretty easy.

my dad replaced one with a cheaper brand and hasn't had any issues. he doesn't have near as much fun as I do but his truck does occasionally see 4x4 operation. his is 4cyl though so the axle will naturally be harder to break for him

 

I wouldn't call it luck. my 92 had all boots torn for 3 years. that truck saw water, snow, mud, cow shit, sand. no clicking when I sold it.

it is however, not a good idea. I liken it to running without an air-filter. sure it will work, probly for a good long while if you only drive on the street, but if you want your rig to last its potential, it NEEDS to be addressed

 

I know. I plan on replacing it. Its funny how things last forever sometimes when you dont give crap about them and then when you TRY to make things last or do preventative maint., something breaks! so ass backwards in my case

 

DO NOT BUY "TOUGH ONE" BRAND CV AXLE . They are junk, my 2 cents.

 

The front CV axles on my Volkswagens are sufficiently expensive and hard to buy that I like to always keep a spare on-hand. This allows me to rebuild the OEM axle at my leisure. I always know the condition of the joints, and the quality of the grease in them. When I need one, I just pull it out of the basement and install.

Mike

 

I feel ya. I destroyed mine when I did my lift. those boots are surprisingly fragile. I was all stoked driving to the alignment shop with my new lift and noticed the grease before it even got on the rack. very frustrating

 

Do any of the aftermarket suspension companies make heavy duty (urethane, maybe) CV boots for the 2nd Gen Tacos? That seems like a good option for lifted suspensions.

Mike

 

500.00 dollars! The dealer has lost their mind. You can get CV axils that are comparable to OEM for under 100 and ones that are heavy duty for under 400.

 

Call CVJ Axles. They do OEM remans for way cheaper than the dealer and have a boot upgrade option....

 

I have a torn boot also I'll get to it sooner then later!

 

you can get complete axle and boots buy empi and will not have a problem again.They have more ribs on there boots.I replaced on my FJ after having problems with oem and never had another problem.Waiting for the Tacoma to rip so I can replace with empi!!

 

I have used the EMPI on VWs for a long time. They work fine with no lift. Can't say for sure if that transfers to the Taco, but it seems likely.

Mike

 

I Replaced mine with Rock auto axles and have no issues with them, I do like to go off road just not crazy stuff. I have 2 axles that need new boots. Will sell for cheap. if anyone interested give me a holler.

 

I have two stock cv axel shafts if any one needs them