GX, 07: torn cv boot - driver side, near engine - replace drive shaft?

[odessit]

Got a torn CV boot - what should I do replace the whole driveshaft or just the boot?

It looks like 43430-60061 is a correct part number for driver's side drive shaft. On line prices are around $350.00 from Toyota dealers. Lexus quoted $477.00 to my mechanic which is not too bad either. I do not feel like generic for $115.00 is worth it, even though mechanic recommended it.

Labor would be more on the boot replacement of course. I am ok mechanically, but not great - i.e. was able to attaché Lexus hitch myself - but it did take few hours.

What should I do? Appreciate your suggestions!

 

[mercedeezel]

How long has the boot been split? Is there fresh grease splattered everywhere? if it looks like its been a while since the split, i'd replace the entire axle and keep the old one (to see if i could re-boot it myself).

 

[470SNC]

Replacing the whole axle is the better route to go

 

[odessit]

Great point about re-booting myself - if I get drive shaft from the dealership - no need to return old one (I assume).

No idea about how long the boot was torn - looks pretty clean to me so should of been recent. But what is "recent??? Weeks? Month?

Wheel bearing is bad on the front wheel as well - so will plan to replace at the same time. Price difference between Lexus (quoted $145, di dnot look on line yet) and after market is around $20-30 - so will get Lexus one.

Does 43430-60061 look like a right part number for GX 07? Is this brand new or remanufactured?

 

[Sam Stewart]

Re-booting is fairly tough if you're not an experienced mechanic. The boot clamps alone will give you nightmares (unless you have the special tool). There is a remanufactured axle that we sell in the Southeast that is sold by Southeast Toyota but it is actually reman'd by Cardone. It's the same ones you see at the store in the white box. We have actually had really good luck with them and have been using them forever on cars. My right side is leaking pretty bad too and is starting to sling grease. I'm probably going to get 2 of the remans and keep my old ones for spares.

The part number you have there is a NEW axle. Remans have an 84 on the end like this: 43430-60060-84 (not a good number, just for reference) or like the SET remans look like this: 00016-A5235 (the one that fits my 4Runner and also your GX)

So the part number 43430-60061 is a new factory axle.

Edit: New is $358.22 with the MUD discount, reman is $136.54 with the MUD discount including a $50 core.

 

[GXO]

If you need a wheel bearing there is a turn key unit you can buy from http://bluepitbearings.com/ that a pre-assembled, making it VERY easy.

 

[odessit]

Hi Dan,
It looks like turn key unit is $279 on web site. I can get 43502-60180 (which looks like a right part number for front hub assembly - would appreciate if somebody can confirm) - for under $150. I will not do the job myself. Total quote I got for drive shaft and hub replacement labor - 4 hours (reasonable?? ) What is the benefit of getting turn key unit?
Cheers,
Alex

 

[GXO]

You dont have to press the bearings in/out. It just bolts on and replaces all the bolts, etc. Just easy if you are doing it in your garage. If you are having it done and using OEM parts I don't think you would need it.

 

[470SNC]

when the hub assembly comes fully prepared, the job is very very easy to do

 

[GXO]

If he is having his CVs pulled it is marginal to have them rebuild the bearings...assuming the know what they are doing.

 

[lehiguy]

I had to replace one of my inner boots this year. It really was quite simple. Once the two bolts that attach the lower control arm to the spindle are removed and the sway bar disconnected, the spindle will move outward far enough to remove the axle from the differential housing. It may be necessary to loosen the LCA pivot bolts so it will drop out of the way. Pry the axle out of the differential, then remove the outer portion of the CV, then the retaining clip, then the inner part of the CV and lastly the dead boot. Reassemble in the reverse order with a new load of grease. I did the whole thing in under 30 minutes. It is a greasy job, but not the worst I have ever done. I put a piece of cardboard down to catch all the spoo.