CV boot tear

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MtnAddict

MtnAddict

10 Year
Joined
Oct 12, 2011
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613
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Colorado
Unfortunately didn't have time to do this on my own as I had wanted to, but I had a new CV installed today. A trusted Midas down the road quoted me for $510 for oil change, front wheel stud replacement and a rebuilt CV axle (OEM). Thought I would get it all done at one time. I specified OEM and he said it would be a rebuilt OEM axle. I didn't think this was a bad price, but was still a little leery about having Midas do this.
So they had the Cruiser all day and it was supposed to be done by 5pm. I have always had Toyota do major work, but damn it's expensive. Just got a call, the rebuilt axle was making a "grinding noise" once they had it back together so the owner is having a "new" one installed tomorrow. He said he was going to eat the extra $120. Again, I insisted OEM. He said there will be no extra charges still $510 and apologized.
WTH? Is this what I get for going to Midas for something like this, or just coincidence that it was a bad rebuilt axle? I obviously don't have the truck here to look, but is there a way to make sure it is a Toyota axle? Are they marked?
 
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I'm betting you got an OE axle, which is not an OEM Toyota axle. Snap a pic of it.
 
We'll do when I get it back tomorrow, hopefully intact...
 
02 Beast! I would not recommend a "OEM Rebuild" as it is most likely not even close to the quality of OEM new. In addition, don't go aftermarket (for those reading this) the NAPA ones use tripod joints which don't have the ability to run at higher angles like rzeppa joints and will surely fail sooner or cause vibration issues. There are several threads about this. I'd get a new OEM one and then order a reboot kit and keep your old one as a spare, even if it's not perfect. It will get you home.
 
02 Beast! Oem is the only option. Tell mechanic that you need your money back.
 
Go figure... After getting it home and crawling under, NAPA was installed. I have a battle on my hands now, going to the shop tomorrow to discuss with the owner. I specified for a Toyota axle to be installed and NOT a NAPA axle and he agreed. We'll see what happens........ :mad:

DSC01813.webp
 
MtnAddict said:
Go figure... After getting it home and crawling under, NAPA was installed.
Click to expand...

This is one of those cases where OEM is the only reliable choice. Alternatives like NAPA are not even close to OEM construction and strength. OK for your Honda but not for your Hundy.
 
Definitely go OEM. FLAPS axles are ehhhh for on road and non-lifted applications but absolutely not acceptable for off-road. They be snap-crackle-pop'n.

At first I thought "Hey, the shop owner is eating the upgrade cost. That's cool." Then I kept reading... Argh...
 
I went in to talk to him today and of course he was off. Going back to try again tomorrow...
 
Just got back from talking to the shop owner and he agreed to make it right. He is trying to get the original labor cost reimbursed from wherever they ordered the first replacement that was fouled up. I am going to call around, not sure if I can get the OE axle cheaper than he can, but want to make sure we are getting the correct part. It would be easier for him to order and me pay the difference and he also said I could keep the NAPA one for a spare. Then I will have 2 drivers side spares.
 
Driver an passenger side are the same part so it doesn't matter.

Call one if the Mud Supporting Toyota Vendors. American, Camel Back, Lowe, ACC etc.
 
HEY, finally saw your thread. Stevinson West/East should give discounts too. GO sucks but Groove would help ya out. Kuni Lexus even has nice parts guys, they've saved me hundreds of dollars. See this is what happens when you go to Midas instead of Slee.
 
:rolleyes:

I know, this was the first and last time it has not been seen by Slee or Toyota...
 
For future reference if someone says they will sell you a Toyota OEM axle for $100 it isn't a Toyota shaft. I think the dealers pay $400+ for the OEM shaft.

The ones they cal reman also don't seem to be OEM reman units but reman or new Chinese shafts that are far inferior. But they cost 1/4 the price.

We don't even give our customers the cheep option because they are junk.

Also if it was just a boot tear and the axle wasn't clicking than a reboot and regrease almost always solves the problem. An OEM boot kit costs almost a hundred bucks so a new shaft for the same sounds like a good deal but certainly is not.
 
So I was high on the boot kit. What's an axle worth?
 
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