used or aftermarket CV axles

[highonpottery]

I've been putting off rebooting my passenger side CV axle for quite some time. Since I've put it off mainly because of time to invest in doing both sides, I'm considering buying a used CV axle to reboot with my OEM kit and do some staggered parts swapping so I can keep the down-time to a minimum since it's the family DD.

I can get a used 100-series CV axle for around $100 at a local salvage yard. I don't see too many 100-series in scrap yards so I wasn't sure if this is a good price or not. Anyone know of some other vendors who might get this price down on a used OEM CV axle?

What about aftermarket CV axles? I always figured these would be inferior to Toyota unless upgrading to RCV in which case it seems most cannot afford.

Lastly, are the CVs interchangeable between left and right side?

 

[Mike6158]

Too bad you are so far away. I have a set that I would give you. The boots need help but I'm not 100% sure that the CV joints were bad. I swapped them when I was changing the rack and pinion since I don't know their history

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Search on the aftermarket, plenty to dissuade you. $100 is a good price considering they're $400 new. Make sure it's not a clicker and needs to be rebuilt, that would eat into any savings by going used.

 

[nissanh]

The EMPI brand seems to be a good aftermarket brand ($80 a piece). I went with Carquest from advance auto both shipped for $122. If you access advance auto online, you will get a 20% discount code. This price is for online only. It comes with lifetime warranty, and so far so good.

The problem with reman or used is the worn-out grooves at either end of the axle. Any worn out grooves can lead to "front end clunk". Stay with new axles.

 

[highonpottery]

I'm leaning toward the used OEM unit. I saw over the weekend on CL, two Hundy's at the local scrappers and they gave me the $100 price/ea. Hoping that MY passenger CV is still good internally to swap onto the driver side once I rebuild it. If not, I guess I won't have a spare. BTW - already inquired about the steering wheel since mine's peeling badly like everyone else's - someone already snagged it!

Will keep the EMPI brand in mind for future -- why did you replace yours in the first place?

I recall reading stuff about the splines and also about the c-clip thickness. Is it advisable to buy the c-clip kit with the different thicknesses? So far I've just reused them when I've serviced brakes and wheel bearings.

 

[nissanh]

^^ I replaced the CV's mainly due to eliminate the front end clunk and a torn boot on the driver side.
I did this to my steering wheel.
I bought it off of ebay. It is genuine leather and got 3 colors to choose from. Spent about an hour to get all done.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

^^^ I've had the same one for 5 years now. It has held up well and still looks great.

 

[jemsec]

Used! Don't let your old ones get away.

 

[super90]

Order of preference: New OEM CVs...used OEM..................................really used OEM......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................maybe, for a short trip, aftermarket CVs

 

[jcchavez97]

Any update on how the Advance Auto Carquest CV Axles have held up? Are you running a lift?

 

[nissanh]

Any update on how the Advance Auto Carquest CV Axles have held up? Are you running a lift?

I had Advance aftermarket for 4 years.

Had a vibration at 80 MPH

Lot of free-play at both inner and outer joints (at 14K miles): I can spin the axle shaft (like a throttle controller in a motor bike) without spinning the CV joints!

Splines at the diff end has significant play though upon removal had no wear signs. Probably the splines are not made to factory specs.

How I know all these: I wanted to eliminate the clunk (yes, got all new bushings to the diff housing). I recently did a thread on replacing these aftermarket CV's with factory OEM.

The had lifetime warranty on the Advance CV's so I got a new pair and it will not be used for years to come. this time, they seems to made little better bow who knows. It is just the look, who knows the inside.

If you have OEM CV's DON'T get rid of those: I was lucky to have my older OEM's to use the inboard tulip to mount into OEM axle assemblies.