04 front CV/shaft problem

[04runner04]

Got an oil change today and the mechanic called me in to take a look at the inner CV boots and the shafts. Both boots are cracked and both shafts angle up drastically from the inner to the outer CV. He had another 4runner of the same year in his parking lot with the same problem. He first thought the motor mounts may have broke allowing the motor to drop thus the axel angle but further looking ruled this out. He is wondering if it may be a spring/strut problem. This is not a dealer but is a knowledgeable guy who has been servicing my 4runner for years. The owner of the other vehicle with the same problem made an appointment with a dealer next week to resolve this issue. I was wondering if any of you gurus have seen this problem and know what might be the problem. My mechanic asked the other guy to inform him as to what the dealer finds but I thought I would throw this out to the forum community for any input.

Thank You

 

[Synister]

Im not sure what you mean by drastically, but on stock T4R's with no lift the front CV's angle up from inner to outer normally. By "cracked" do you mean little cracks from age or really cracked with grease flung everywhere indicating a damaged boot?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Can you provide a picture?

 

[04runner04]

Im not sure what you mean by drastically, but on stock T4R's with no lift the front CV's angle up from inner to outer normally. By "cracked" do you mean little cracks from age or really cracked with grease flung everywhere indicating a damaged boot?

They are cracked such that they are flinging grease on both sides. Is it also normal for an 04 with 125,000 miles to have 2 inner boots go bad?

 

[zerowkul98]

My 03 V8's inner boots started to crack and some of that grease was starting to make its way out, but I caught it in time as to save the actual CV joint from harm. The dealership i trust ordered a kit that is just the boots and clamps, it wasnt expensive and it didnt set me back much. If you have to replace the CV joint itself, then that translates to much more $$.

 

[cabowally]

Napa sells the complete CV Driveshaft for $110 each. Takes about 3.5 hours to do both sides.

https://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?A=NMD944052_0311524442&An=599001+102003+50070+2070015

 

[durrell]

Anyone have some good instructions for this? I'm pretty experienced, but am new to the 4th gen and have never done any work on CVs before.

I punctured my boot while installing my Daystar lift. It is a minor tear, but it is gushing grease.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Got an oil change today and the mechanic called me in to take a look at the inner CV boots and the shafts. Both boots are cracked and both shafts angle up drastically from the inner to the outer CV. He had another 4runner of the same year in his parking lot with the same problem. He first thought the motor mounts may have broke allowing the motor to drop thus the axel angle but further looking ruled this out. He is wondering if it may be a spring/strut problem. This is not a dealer but is a knowledgeable guy who has been servicing my 4runner for years. The owner of the other vehicle with the same problem made an appointment with a dealer next week to resolve this issue. I was wondering if any of you gurus have seen this problem and know what might be the problem. My mechanic asked the other guy to inform him as to what the dealer finds but I thought I would throw this out to the forum community for any input.

Thank You

My '08 had the same issue. I wouldn't call it a problem but I didn't like the angle either. That's just the way 4th gens are. The fix for me was some FJ springs front and rear along with bilstein shocks and struts set at 1.75". Now the cv shaft is straight. Maybe a hair angled down from inner to outer but just a hair. Way better ride too. Let us know what your dealer tells you. As far as the cv boot goes, if they are just starting to leak and water or dirt haven't made their way inside yet you could just replace the boots. However with that many miles I would just replace the whole cv shaft.

 

[cabowally]

Overhaul - Front Drive Shaft ASSY LH

REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
DRAIN DIFFERENTIAL OIL

REMOVE FRONT AXLE HUB LH NUT

Remove the cotter pin and a adjusting cap.
Remove the front axle hub LH nut.

SEPARATE SPEED SENSOR FRONT LH

Using a hexagon wrench, separate the speed sensor front LH.
Disconnect the 2 clamp.
Remove the bolt and separate the speed sensor wire harness from the steering knuckle.

SEPARATE TIE ROD END SUB-ASSY LH

Remove the cotter pin and nut.
Using SST, separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. SST 0962-62011

SEPARATE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SUB-ASSY LOWER No.1 LH

Remove the 2 bolts and separate the front suspension arm from the lower ball joint.

REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSY LH

Using SST, remove the front drive shaft assy LH. SST 09520-01010, 09520-24010 (09520-32040) NOTICE: Be careful not to damage the oil seal.

REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSY RH HINT: Remove the RH side by the same procedures with LH side. SST 09520-01010, 09520-24010 (09520-32040)


INSTALL FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSY LH

Coat the spline of the inboard joint shaft assy with ATF.
Aline the shaft splines and install the drive shaft assy with brass bar and hammer. NOTICE: Set the snap ring with opening side facing downward Be careful not to damage the oil seal. HINT: Whether the inboard joint shaft is in contact with the pinion shaft or not can be known from the sound or feeling when driving it.

INSTALL SPEED SENSOR FRONT LH

Install the speed sensor wire harness to the steering knuckle with a bolt. Torque: 13 Nm (133 kgf-cm, 10 ft. lbs.)
Connect the 2 clips.
Using a hexagon wrench, install the speed sensor with the bolt. Torque: 8.3 Nm (85 kgf-cm, 73 inch lbs.)

INSTALL FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SUB-ASSY LOWER No.1 LH

Install the lower ball joint to the lower suspension arm with the bolt and nut. Torque: 225 Nm (2,294 kgf-cm, 166 ft. lbs.)

INSTALL TIE ROD END SUB-ASSY LH

install the tie rod end to the steering knuckle with the nut. Torque: 91 Nm (928 kgf-cm, 67 ft. lbs.)
Install a new cotter pin. NOTICE: If the holes for the cotter pin are not aligned, tighten the nut further to 60°.

INSTALL FRONT AXLE HUB LH NUT

Install the hub nut. Torque: 294 Nm (3,000 kgf-cm, 217 ft. lbs.)
Install a new cotter pin and adjusting cap.

FILL UP DIFFERENTIAL OIL
INSPECT DIFFERENTIAL OIL
INSTALL FRONT WHEEL Torque: 112 Nm (1,142 kgf-cm, 83 ft. lbs.)
CHECK ABS SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL

 

[A/V1]

Thanks Cabowally for posting that info. I've got a repair manual and that's the same info I have.

I too have a torn boot on both sides, and am going to replace the entire shafts soon. The only question I have, for anybody who can answer: in the last pic... for those of us who dont have this special drive shaft puller, what tool can be used in it's place?

 

[gm350reratliff]

Thanks Cabowally for posting that info. I've got a repair manual and that's the same info I have.

I too have a torn boot on both sides, and am going to replace the entire shafts soon. The only question I have, for anybody who can answer: in the last pic... for those of us who dont have this special drive shaft puller, what tool can be used in it's place?

I the pic it looks like a slide hammer. I haven't had to pull my shafts yet so I don't have 1st hand experience but on other vehicles I've used a basic hammer or two pry bars on each side of the shaft. I think I've seen slide hammers at harbor freight as well.