Torn CV boot issue

[caslim]

Has anyone experienced an OEM boot tearing in the middle? My passenger side inner boot tore in half after 5k miles. Luckily, I had Lexus reboot the axle last time, so it's under warranty. I'm just curious if anyone else has experienced this? Seems odd to tear in the middle. Hub to fender height is 21in. Driver side is 20.5. I do not have a drop diff. Axle angles are low. The driver side boots have lasted 4 years with no issues.

 

[STLSwan]

I actually just had something similar happen to me as well. I bought my '99 LC in February from a local Toyota dealer, and before I purchased it they had replaced both front CV axles and boots. I drove it for a few weeks, when I noticed it was slinging grease on both sides and one of the diff seals was leaking. Took it back and they said both boots had torn and one of the seals was bad. They claimed they were reman'ed axles from Toyota, and they must have just gotten a bad batch. Put two new ones in, and so far it's been good for a few months now. I blew it off, figuring it was either the dealer not knowing what they were doing the first time, or the lift I have installed causing problems, but I guess it's possible there's a bad batch of boots out there.

 

[caslim]

Updated. LEXUS IS REPLACING THE WHOLE AXLE FOR FREE.

So, I took the LX into Lexus today, and initially they told me that the warranty would not be covered due to evidence of the axle being hit/impacted, and that they were suggesting I replace the whole axle ($1400!). I was quite confused because it would be extremely difficult for something to hit the inner boot. They took me back to the garage and I reviewed it with the service tech. After discussing a while with the tech, I asked the question, "Why is there no evidence of grease being flung from the axle?" Normally, when a boot breaks, grease goes everywhere. However, in this case there was little to none. The tech agreed, and after that did not say too much. Then we went and talked with the service manager. He was very reasonable in listening to what I was stating, and said that all they could do is submit the pictures and wait for the warranty department to decide. Well, a couple hours later they called me and said they are replacing the whole axle at no cost! I was shocked! I have never experienced a dealer actually going above and beyond in servicing the customer. Kuddos to Crown Lexus in Ontario California!


Here is a picture of the torn boot. It definitely seems dry. My bet is that they forgot to put grease in when they rebooted it.

 

[2001LC]

Interesting. In your first picture I was thinking what rip, as I couldn't see it. Than thought, well where's the tell tell grease!

I know Toyota has started charging a core charge. Indicating they'll be offering re-manufactured. Which may also mean, new "may" not be available much longer. But I did not know any re-manufactured available currently.

 

[awesomeissquid]

Interesting. In your first picture I was thinking what rip, as I couldn't see it. Than thought, well where's the tell tell grease!

I know Toyota has started charging a core charge. Indicating they'll be offering re-manufactured. Which may also mean, new "may" not be available much longer. But I did not know any re-manufactured available currently.

So we should all start stocking up on new axles right

 

[caslim]

Yup. I talked to Toyota today, and they are now selling reman for $150. However, they are on back order right now across the country.