CV Axle Specs

[drallan]

I recently purchased a 2004 SR5 V8 and need to replace the passenger side CV Axle boot (possibly entire axle). I have a 30 day temp registration, expires 09 Feb, and want to do the quickest cheapest fix just to get it through inspection, then attack the problem when I have more time.

The actual CV joints appear to be ok, no clicking or play, it is just the boot that needs to be replaced. The inner boot separated from the shaft on the small side. I wish I could just replace the clamps, but the boot is actually torn. My goal is to just get one of those $15 split boot repair kits and some fresh grease to get her through inspection and then rebuild the axle properly this summer (been a cold, snowy, rainy few weeks).

Does anyone know the dimensions/diameter of the fat/skinny end of the inner boot? My local chain auto parts store has a few kits and I want to get the right size.

If I find after removing the old boot that the joint is torn up and needs replacing I'll probably run out and get the cheapest chain parts store and pick one up, however, online I've seen them from 25 3/8" through 25 7/8" compressed length. I'm not sure if there is actually a difference or if it is just different measuring methods. I'm not trying to get into the Toyota OEM vs Generic OEM parts debate, but from all the threads I've read it looks like the biggest issues are either leaking diff seals or cheap boots that tear quickly. Anyone have issues with the actual axle fitting too long/short? If so, what was the brand and size if you can remember?

I've read through the few thread write-ups and it seems pretty straight forward. I've done a few before on an S10 and Camry so this shouldn't be too bad.

Thanks

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

with my 04 v8 i bought back in march 2014 ive run through lets see umm.... about 4 CV axles. the first one was right after i bought it, the driverside inner boot was ripped, axle fully replaced for 65 bucks. second time i bent the passenger side when my lower ball joint failed, the third time i was doing some not to serious offroading (compared to what i normally do) and shattered the new shaft. now in saying all of this its really not worth the time or effort to replace or repair a boot, the complete shafts are dirt cheap and you have to remove the axle to replace the boot anyways. if you feel that patching the boot at this time is what you want to do then remember that they are a neoprene material. i personally have never repaired one but it should be pretty straight forward, some stitching might be involved. one thing to take note of is where the tear is. it sounds like its down by where the band attaches to the intermediate shaft and in that location im not sure you can patch it. i hope i helped somewhere in there. feel free to ask away with anymore questions oh and :worthless:

 

[drallan]

Thanks for the input. My goal was to not take the CV off the vehicle and just replace the boot while it is still on the truck. If I do have to take it off, then yes I will replace the whole thing.

Plan was to cut off/remove old clamps and cut old boot off. Inspect, clean, pack with grease, install new split boot. The split boot kit I'm referring to has a slit down the middle so that it can fit over the axle. Once on you glue the two parts together and clamp. It might be more work than it is worth, but the online videos make it look pretty simple. If that doesn't work I'll just pull out the old and put in a new.

The most off roading this truck will see is a dirt road or field a few times a year, so hopefully they won't be stressed too much. What brand of replacement did you use? The Cardone's on RockAuto are about $50, but with $18 in shipping it might be cheaper to find one locally. I think my local NAPA can get remans for $65 and new for $92. What I've heard about the remans is that you have no idea what the source of the core is. Could be a Toyota OEM, could be a crappy Duralast.

Thanks

 

[Jeremy556]

Do the split boot. Better off with a Toyota axle and split boot than a crap aftermarket/reman one. If you do replace it, get a reman one from CVJ Axle.