CV boot replacement

[Huhwhye]

Need to replace my boots. Is there a writeup somewhere on doing this?

[CBone]

Found this, hope it helps:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/cv_axle/

[Huhwhye]

That is perfect. Thanks

[Huhwhye]

I started the tear down tonight. Now I need that 35mm nut. Where do I get that ASAP. Sears doesn't list it on their website as an item available locally.

[Jacket]

I guess it depends where you are. I've seen a 35mm impact socket here at McGuckins in Boulder, which is one of those "we carry everything" old school hardware stores. But never at any of the chains like HD, Lowes or Sears.

[Mars]

I hope you are taking pics and going to post up a writeup of this project.

[Huhwhye]

I found it at CSK as the writeup on 4x4wire suggested. They had both regular and impact sockets. I bought an impact fo $18.xx with tax. The regular socket was $10 but they were out of stock.

As far as a write up, the one on 4x4wire posted above is really good. This is an easy job really if you have the right tools. Impact gun, 35mm socket, torque wrench that goes to 174 lbs/ft.

Granted I'm not done. But the hardest part is probably removing the dust covers from the hub. PITA tapping with a hammer and screwdriver.

[Huhwhye]

All went well. That 4x4wire writeup was very helpful.

Except for the few extra parts I need from the dealer everything went easy. 1 dust cover $10 and 1 hub side seal $35. I used Neoprene boots from Downey Off Road at $15 a piece.

While I was in there I noticed I need new sway bar bushings.

[cackalak han]

Did you just replace the boot or the whole CV Axle. If you only replaced the boot, you might be looking at the whole axle replacement soon. If ANY dust got into the cracked part of the boot, it will gradually wear down the joint and there is nothing you can do about it, except get a new one or rebuild it yourself (I suggest getting a new one with a lifetime warranty from Autozone).

Originally Posted by Huhwhye

While I was in there I noticed I need new sway bar bushings.

Get some poly ones from wheeler's. MUCH better than the crappy OEM (I've been through both).

[Huhwhye]

Point ataken. But with only 77k on the rig I'm confident they are ok for a little while longer.

I have heard those lifetime CV's from autozone are not that strong. Coming from guys with modded trucks, they say use OEM. I checked with my dealer and they don't sell new CV's antmore. Toyota is only listing rebuilt units.

I know what I'm doing. I'm looking to carry spares eventually so these will be spares when I find suitable replacements. I'm also considering a gear change in the coming months, so it has to come apart again soon anyway. But for now I need to drive it.

[cackalak han]

Sorry, man, but you heard wriong NEW CV axles (not rebuilt) from Autozone will be quite sufficient. I have used them and had no issues.

And it doesn't matter if your rig has 10k miles or 200k miles. Once a CV joint tears, dust, grit, dirt WILL get in there, unless you happen to see it tear and pull over immediately to fix it. Once the dirt gets in, it WILL wear your axle down, eventually breaking it. It doesn't matter how much grease you put in there, it WILL happen.

Originally Posted by Huhwhye

Coming from guys with modded trucks, they say use OEM.

If you trust those guys so much, perhaps you should just go to them for advise?

[Mars]

Originally Posted by cackalak han

If you trust those guys so much, perhaps you should just go to them for advise?

This forum has far more readers with much more info/tips/helpful information than anyone's friend base, I would be willing to wager.

I'm glad he asked the question. If I was in his situation, I would have done the same. You make a good point as well, and I'm sure he will consider it.



How is the cost for the Autozone axles compared to OEM? Lifetime guarantee is pretty hard to beat. I'm fairly die-hard when it comes to keeping my rigs with Toyota parts, but if the Autozone stuff is comparable in quality then it might be a better deal when I end up replacing mine.

[cackalak han]

Originally Posted by Mars

This forum has far more readers with much more info/tips/helpful information than anyone's friend base, I would be willing to wager.

I'm glad he asked the question. If I was in his situation, I would have done the same. You make a good point as well, and I'm sure he will consider it.



How is the cost for the Autozone axles compared to OEM? Lifetime guarantee is pretty hard to beat. I'm fairly die-hard when it comes to keeping my rigs with Toyota parts, but if the Autozone stuff is comparable in quality then it might be a better deal when I end up replacing mine.

Yeah, I understand that there are a lot of great people here with endless amount of info. That's why I'm here. However, this guy is kind of an idiot who seem to ask a question, then directly attack the other person's suggestion, because "his buddies told him otherwise." (ie, as noted HERE)

Anyway, I am also all about OEM parts, too, but when the cost is 2-3 times the cost, it's hard to pass up. I've even used the axles on my previous race car and they held up like a champ. Then add on the lifetime warranty, and it can't be beat! If you have one on each side, plus an extra to carry on trips/trails, you won't have to buy another axle for the vehicle for as long as you own it.