Axle shaft boot leak, what all should I replace?

[JoshKY]

While draining my radiator I noticed a grease and crud build-up on my front driver's shaft. I'll accept the boot needs replacing, but are there any signs to determine whether the entire axle shaft needs replacing? AND if I replace one axle shaft and boot, should I replace both for reasons someone is willing to explain? I've spent a lot of money this winter replacing parts that turned out to be good as new because I was told it's best to do so before I started wrenching.

99' V6 5spd w/ 215K on it



Not the best photo I know.

 

[repo]

Just replace it with a new one from NAPA or wherever for $90. Cleaning out the grease for the reboot kit is a massive pain in the ass. I don't know any reason to replace both if only one is leaking.

 

[mtbtim]

If you have the OEM CV axles still on your rig, I'd keep them and reboot them. Yes, it's some work to reboot the axles but it's worth it. Our OEM axles are superior to anything an auto parts store is going to sell you.

If I were you, I'd just reboot both sides because you know the other side is probably going to go soon too. Reboot kits cost around $50/each.

Here's a video you could use as a tutorial to get the job done. Don't worry about the boot stretch modification. I don't think it's really necessary now that I've done a couple reboots.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vcCT4UgFUTw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[nobb]

+1 on rebooting. The Napa branded boots are one of the higher quality ones I've found. Just make sure you buy extra CV grease as the kits never come with enough. There is also an OEM Toyota boot kit with grease but it's fairly costly.

 

[DJF1953]

For $225 buy a new axle which comes with a new boot. That way, after busting your butt to just replace the boot, you can install a whole new assembly and be done with it.

 

[Mgyver1]

Another vote for rebooting the OEM. It's less than $50 and you have a better axle than anything from Autozone, Napa, etc.

 

[kolelt]

If OEM. Reboot with all pro off road extended boot.

 

[alumarine]

I just bought a Napa and there was not core charge so I got to keep the original.

I can reboot it or not. In any case I've got it.

 

[mtbtim]

I just bought a Napa and there was not core charge so I got to keep the original.

I can reboot it or not. In any case I've got it.

That's rare. Here in the Good Ol' US of A, they require a core charge and you lose your OEM shafts unless you want to pay the core charge.

If people want a back-up set of CV axles, they could visit a local Pick and Pull and nab a set of spare OEM axles.

 

[nobb]

That's rare. Here in the Good Ol' US of A, they require a core charge and you lose your OEM shafts unless you want to pay the core charge.

If people want a back-up set of CV axles, they could visit a local Pick and Pull and nab a set of spare OEM axles.

Napa sells brand new and re-manufactured joints. New joints do not have a core, but I believe they are just rebrands from an unknown source so quality is unknown.

 

[Scramble]

Napa sells brand new and re-manufactured joints. New joints do not have a core, but I believe they are just rebrands from an unknown source so quality is unknown.

People on this site have been using the New Napa axles for years with no issues. Plenty of threads on this.