Aftermarket CV Axle Boots Torn - OEM Inner/Outer Replacement vs Other Options?

[Irishpilot]

I've been monitoring my outer CV boots the last few months. Both have developed a rip and are leaking grease, but not at a huge rate. I've read all the threads I can find, and I was just going to order the outer joints and do that. However, I don't have the yellow bands, and I can't find specifics in Cruiser's service history, so I'm assuming these are aftermarket.

It seems like re-booting is a temporary fix, but the axles aren't making any noise. I'd only like to tear apart the front end once, so I'm inclined to just bite the bullet and order the inner and outer axles. Is there any way to tell if the inner axles are still OEM?

I'm also doing this when I replace the sway bar bushings and OEM shocks. It's a 2006 LC100 with 210k. Clean rig and I have no intentions of selling it anytime.

Any recommendations are appreciated for those who have been in this situation. Thanks!

 

[2001LC]

I can't tell by your pictures.
OEM FDS have hard outer CV boot.
OEM FDS center axle. Have a narrow and wide section. Like turned on a lathe, to thinner diameter to center, than wider.
Also take note of each CV tulip shape.

Outer CV tulip has three diameter, tapering down.

 

[Malleus]

The fact that you have silver clamp bands may only mean that aftermarket boots were used to replace the factory installed boots. Unfortunately, some of the Cardone aftermarket driveshafts appear to be OEM; the only way to know is to pull them out and remove both boots. I found out the hard way that someone had cheapened out on the last service when I replaced the boots on my 2000 LX470; I was not happy to find minivan–looking CV axles in my Land Cruiser.

FWIW, unless they are making noise, they likely don't need to be replaced, but if the boots are broken open, they (the boots) do need to be replaced and as soon as possible. These bearings do not tolerate contamination very well.

If you are buying new driveshafts/CV axles, buy them from an online dealer. You'll find them half, or almost half, the price overseas, but these things are so heavy the shipping costs, not to mention the tariffs, will double that price easily.

 

[Malleus]

If it were mine, I'd buy new boots (the kit comes with a set of two), and hope for the best. New CV axles come with the boots installed, so if you do have to, or want to, replace the CV axles, you can return the boot kit.

 

[Irishpilot]

Thanks for the info. I bought a boot kit when I first noticed the rip. I'll plan on doing the boot change and see what happens.