CV Axle Reboot: OEM or SDHQ

[Nickname]

I've got 215k on my 06 4Runner and the CV boots are starting to show signs of wear and cracking. I want to replace the boots (yes, I know its a pain and a mess) so that I can stick with the OEM axles. I have not heard great things about aftermarket ones. For those of you that have done this, do you recommend getting OEM boots (one rubber and one plastic) or the SDHQ boots which seem like an upgrade? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Billynath1988]

I've got 215k on my 06 4Runner and the CV boots are starting to show signs of wear and cracking. I want to replace the boots (yes, I know its a pain and a mess) so that I can stick with the OEM axles. I have not heard great things about aftermarket ones. For those of you that have done this, do you recommend getting OEM boots (one rubber and one plastic) or the SDHQ boots which seem like an upgrade? Thanks in advance for the help.

Ive done the SDHQ boots twice.. I recommend them over oem. They have extra ribs and seem to hold up just as good as OEM. They only come with the band style clamps, which is fine, I prefer the worm gear stainless, marine style with rounded edges..

Yes OEM axles are the way to go.. its a messy as hell job though.. Get a few cans of brake cleaner and the best CV grease you can find.. and alot of paper towels..

If you decide you dont want to do this.. CVJ reman axles are the next best bet to oem.

 

[montijo505]

I've got 215k on my 06 4Runner and the CV boots are starting to show signs of wear and cracking. I want to replace the boots (yes, I know its a pain and a mess) so that I can stick with the OEM axles. I have not heard great things about aftermarket ones. For those of you that have done this, do you recommend getting OEM boots (one rubber and one plastic) or the SDHQ boots which seem like an upgrade? Thanks in advance for the help.

I always go OEM. I get the kits off eBay. They come with all the clamps and grease. Easy peasy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[phatcheeks]

I've got 215k on my 06 4Runner and the CV boots are starting to show signs of wear and cracking. I want to replace the boots (yes, I know its a pain and a mess) so that I can stick with the OEM axles. I have not heard great things about aftermarket ones. For those of you that have done this, do you recommend getting OEM boots (one rubber and one plastic) or the SDHQ boots which seem like an upgrade? Thanks in advance for the help.

Which ever one you get, make sure to upgrade to 5th gen version. They have more ribs and hold a bit more grease.

 

[Nickname]

Good to know. I actually just ordered some OEM boot kits off ebay for $50 a pop, including boots, clamps, and grease. If I ever do them again I'll try to SDHQ or 5th gen boots. Thanks for the info guys!

 

[bob3dsf]

OEM re-boots will hold up fine, most likely. I doubt that anything else will be significantly better. I would recommend looking at your current boots and looking for identifying numbers on the band clamps. Oetiker brand clamps are high quality crimp style. The reboot kit came with a couple different styles of clamps. I broke one (a fold-over type) and that was a real PIA. Having a few spares available would've been nice. The clamps you can get from Amazon are mostly junk.