Front axle help

[nodaksn3]

OK, I know it doesn't have a "front axle" per say, so maybe I should have written "front end", but I knew that I had a problem with the dust boot pulling away (1/4" or so) from the axle on the right front wheel of my 100. Plus it was making a slight clicking noise. I didn't feel like trouble-shooting it myself so I took it to a guy whom I think I trust. He has now told me that: (1) The boot has now pulled away 1" or more, (2) It's unsafe to drive, and (3) the axle is turning along with the wheel. Also, the bearing is toast.
The 100 is fairly new to me, I bought it in Phoenix and am now in Ipswich, Mass. No trouble or anything else so far, and I do not have a FSM for the 100 (I do for my 80) so I'm at a loss. Has anybody else had a similar issue? I'm wondering what's up here? Is the axle retainer gone from the diff? Is this going to be simple or complicated (read: costly)?
Thanks, Ned

Later: It was discovered that the clip at the outside end of the axle had not been installed properly and fell off, leaving the axle loose enough to beat the bearing. Both axles has leaking boots anyway, so all were replaced with new. I SHOULD have caught that and would have (maybe) if the truck wasn't new to me!!! An expensive fix. ($1200). Ned

 

[AimCOtaco]

Without more specific info it sounds like you may have lost a CV joint.
This is a fairly common occurrence. You DO NOT want an aftermarket CV axle assembly. You want an OEM Toyota CV axle assembly.

It is normal to have to re-build and re-boot these assemblies on occasion, more often with a lift and off-road use. If the boots are damaged and not attended to the CV is not protected or lubricated and fails as a result. They are commonly broken off-road as well.

Need to get some more specifics from the mechanic about which bearing is out, etc.

 

[FlammableFishie]

Without more specific info it sounds like you may have lost a CV joint.
This is a fairly common occurrence. You DO NOT want an aftermarket CV axle assembly. You want an OEM Toyota CV axle assembly.

It is normal to have to re-build and re-boot these assemblies on occasion, more often with a lift and off-road use. If the boots are damaged and not attended to the CV is not protected or lubricated and fails as a result. They are commonly broken off-road as well.

Need to get some more specifics from the mechanic about which bearing is out, etc.

Seconded.

Sounds like that CV axle is f**ked. But not having much information on it that's purely speculation. The sound you described sounds like what happened to my axles when I ignored the boots for too long. I ended up having to replace them (go OEM) and yes, it's pretty costly to do that.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Sounds like maybe your CV boots are hashed. The CV should turn with the wheel. Get pictures of the CVs for a better dianosis.

 

[2000UZJ]

OK so i have had The truck there weeks and i am noticing à knocking sound when i go over à bump. It sounds like something is loose. I swear i can feel it through The peddels. I crawled under there today And looked around but didn't notice anything obvious. This is my first 100 And threads i have read mention loose bearings And CV going bad. How do i best diagnose before i cause real damage? Thans

Check your sway bar links and shock mounts.