CV Axle Problem!!

[fishing monkey]

I just installed a 3" Toytec lift.....today I took it in to have the alignment done.
They said CV axles are leaking now and outer Tie rods are done.

I got it home and checked everything out.
My concern is this.....when I grab the CV axle part(the part closet to transfer case) it is loose.
There is no fluid leaking out of the transfer case.

Here is a short video to show you what I am looking at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq4Ci4gfzxM&list=UUxKgJ1MoGwPRLq-HCpC38Jw

 

[Jc12]

hmm.. i wish i had a better memory as i did mine about a year ago. I am pretty damn certain that mine were solid and had no wiggle room. Maybe they have a bad/worn snap ring (that holds the axle in place).. I would read up on the CV axle install thread and you should be able to diagnose what part may be worn.

Are you mechanically inclined? CV's aren't all that hard, a little frustrating at times but easy enough. tie rods are even easier and not all that expensive. I have always bought mine from rock auto, i spent 300 for inners and outers on both sides and also did the lower ball joints (oem).

For about 800 you could do new axles, new lbj's and new tie rods which is what i did shortly after i installed my lift

 

[fishing monkey]

Axles

I have no problem working on the car. I have to tools and shop to do it. I have done all my own work on it. The alignment shop wanted 650.00 to replace cv axles and new tie rod ends.

Napa parts here are less than 200.00.

I'm just not sure about that slop.....that worry me. But the front differential is not leaking any fluid. So I would think that if there was a bad bearing, it would have been leaking fluid.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Or it already leaked out. Check your front diff fluid to be sure

 

[yukonrider]

I just installed a 3" Toytec lift.....today I took it in to have the alignment done.
They said CV axles are leaking now and outer Tie rods are done.

I got it home and checked everything out.
My concern is this.....when I grab the CV axle part(the part closet to transfer case) it is loose.
There is no fluid leaking out of the transfer case.

Here is a short video to show you what I am looking at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq4Ci4gfzxM&list=UUxKgJ1MoGwPRLq-HCpC38Jw

There is some play,but I don't think that much, are both equally loose? Does it make weird sounds?

If you are mechanically inclined those aren't too hard to pop out and take a look at. You'll need the right tools though. A slide hammer does wonders for getting the joint out of the front diff too.

 

[fishing monkey]

Axles

Both sides are equally loose.

 

[Jon]

Looks like slightly more wiggle than normal. But who knows how long those have been in there? They are moving parts and will wear down over time, it's science!

$650 is retarded! I almost $hit my chair! It takes 15min per side!

Get the parts from Napa, I've been running a pair of their CVs for 2yrs now with no complaints. Count the threads in the old tie rods before removal and put the new ones in with the same amount. Close enough to get you down to the alignment shop.

Might be a good time to do the lower ball joints too. They're simple, no press required.

If you intend on offroading, I'd suggest finding a place that does Lifetime alignments.

Good luck bro!

 

[abrosk927]

Had the same issue and looks like more play then there should be, if they are leaking the boots are shot and a reboot kit from toyota is about 62$ but replacing is another thing. I found a shop Main line overland that swaps my boots out for me but maybe you'd be able to do it….If you end up needing all new axles check out CVJ axles…if i ever need new axles I'm not even thinking twice

CVJ Axles - Remanufactured Axles & Power Racks

 

[yukonrider]

Both sides are equally loose.

Unless both sides are broken (next to impossible) I'd say its fine if they are equally loose.

There is a normal amount of play in the whole thing, usually more in and out than up and down.

 

[fishing monkey]

Axle

Got the napa cv axles with a lifetime warranty for 103.00 a piece. Got the tie rod ends on. That was super easy. Got the cv axle all ready to take out. Will try in the morning to pop it out.

Is there a easy way to pull the axles out of the differential?

Thanks

 

[ADoherty001]

Ya just use a crow bar and get it wedged between the axle and where it enters the diff. Then just pop the crow bar with your hand and the axle should pop right out. One word of caution: when you pop it out try to have someone there holding the axle to pull it straight out. BE VERY CAREFUL as there is an oil seal right there where the axle enters the diff that has an easily tearable rubber ring on it. When I changed mine I was being careless and the seal got torn. I didn't notice it until it was all put back together and then it started slinging oil all over the bottom of my truck. Replaced the seal and no leaks since.

 

[thebrandon]

Use a pry bar and it will pop right out.