Another CV Issue

[shiner1836]

Ok, I'd like to get yalls input on my situation.

I recently replaced my DS CV joint, it had been clicking and began puking grease. I opted for the Napa brand because i dont do much offroading with it.

The issue I have had is the upper boot immidiatley failed, it wasn't torn from off road use as I have not taken it offroad. Somehow a small slit got worn in it. I then proceeded to replace it under the napa "guarantee".

I have read all the threads on going OEM and not Napa, obviously i learned my lesson. However, has anyone had experience with the rubber on the napa boots being crappy? I was prepared for the possibility of poor mechanical quality but did not expect such crappy quality with the boots.

I've got the 2.5 OME lift but I am positive that that would not cause a boot to wear out like it did.

I will be replacing with OEM but at this point am scared that the rubber quality may be the same on OEM as well.

Any input? Thanks!!

 

[jemsec]

I think you will find most use OEM boots with little or no trouble. Be sure to use the screw clamps to get a tighter fit with less chance of leaking.

 

[shiner1836]

The boot itself has not come loose. The rubber has a cut/worn spot it in. My question is if anyone has had an issue with the quality if the rubber boot itself, ie crappy rubber product. The rubber failed between two of the folds after only a week or so.







Here are a couple photos. My concern is that this is not something that should wear out so quickly, there is little to no friction in this area and I have not taken it anywhere that I could tear the boot.
Thanks

 

[SmoothLC]

Shouldn't happen with OEM.

Mine were replaced earlier this year and no problems since. None expected for the foreseeable future either.

Even got the nice yellow bands.

 

[Norcalfamily]

Differential drop?
Isn't that often recommended?

 

[shiner1836]

Did the diff drop.

 

[Rot Box]

Sorry I'm not much help but I had that happen a lot on my slightly lifted 84 Subaru in highschool. Some boots would last maybe a few weeks some longer but never more than 6 or 8 months. I probably put 12 or so refurbished Checker/O'Reilly lifetime CV's in that car on my highschool budget

Fwiw I have Napa's 'new' CV's in my 100. They have been holding up ok for over a year. I use my 100 off-road. Front is locked. I recommend OEM CV's the constant apprehension and worry when I select the front locker is overwhelming at times

 

[shiner1836]

I would have just figured the rubber boots would all be the same, maybe not though?

Mechanically the internals are designed completely different, I didn't realize that until I went and looked at the old napa one I pulled out compared to my old oem one, unbelievable. Not sure that that would have any bearing on boot wear though.

 

[Muddy Bean]

I would do the diff drop too. I'm in the market for one myself as soon as finances recover a little. if you lift the front at all, it's hard on the boots. Lots of stretching going on at speed in multiple conditions. The diff drop relieves the angle to a more stock level.

 

[shiner1836]

As stated above, i did the diff drop....that's my whole point, it's lifted but I included the appropriate modifications, ie, diff drop to account for any increased angles....

 

[Muddy Bean]

As stated above, i did the diff drop....that's my whole point, it's lifted but I included the appropriate modifications, ie, diff drop to account for any increased angles....

Sorry, missed that. I would be curious to see if oem boots held up. Then it would prove the napa ones aren't as good

 

[shiner1836]

I'll find out shortly! I'll be a pro at swapping joints when it's all said and done. I'll post up when I get them swapped.

Would love input from anyone else that has run the "crapa" cv joints.

 

[pdxlc]

I'm running the lifetime napa CV, put them in before I knew of the difference between OEM and aftermarket. Have 10k miles on them and no issues with the boots. No lift on it, only minor off-roading.

Just remembered the first CV I bought had a slit in the boot which I exchanged for a good one. Check the boots for damage before installing.

On a side note, are there any photos of an OEM joint next to an aftermarket joint? I'm interested in seeing the design difference.

 

[shiner1836]

I think I have come to the conclusion that the napa Tripod style cv joint just doesn't handle the angle as well as the toyota OEM rzeppa joint design. Here are some images of the OEM (top) and Napa (bottom). Bear in mind this is only as to the upper(inner) joint, both Napa and OEM use the rzeppa design on the outer joint.

I am also pretty sure that there is a QC issue with Napa parts, the PS has a napa CV joint from the previous owner(not sure when it was installed) that appears to have held up just find. Nonetheless, I will be installing OEM on both sides.

 

[College Cruiser]

I'm running the napa cvs on both sides. 2.5" lift w drop and a lot of off roading. No problems so far at all and the boots look to be the same as the OEM. You probably had a slight tear or cut in it when it was put in and got bigger over time.

 

[shiner1836]

No tears or cuts, two shafts in under two months, boots wore singular small slits between rubber folds and shafts started clicking within two weeks of each install. I was doubly careful to check for tears the second go around. In the first posting of pics you can see where it appears that the rubber has essentially worn its self down.

Pretty confident I should have gone OEM from the get go, just like everyone recommends.