CV Axles/Boots

[Azwelder]

Both my outer CV boots have worked themselves off the joint. They do not appear to be torn but the straps are MIA. I hear no clunking or grinding when turning in forward or reverse gears. Do I need to remove the axle shafts to clean/repack with grease/re-strap or is this something that can be addressed while on the truck?

 

[KidVermicious]

Both my outer CV boots have worked themselves off the joint. They do not appear to be torn but the straps are MIA. I hear no clunking or grinding when turning in forward or reverse gears. Do I need to remove the axle shafts to clean/repack with grease/re-strap or is this something that can be addressed while on the truck?

I suppose you could repack them and replace the straps while they're on the truck, but I honestly think it'd be less effort to pull them first, instead of trying to work around the shocks and a-arms. You'd certainly be able to get more of the old dirty grease out if you had them on your bench.

 

[4Running90]

Yeah I agree with kid. Even though its not the most fun I have had working on vehicles, removing the axles to replace the grease would definitely be easier. I bought my cv boots at Napa and they have been really good thus far. Good luck!

 

[Azwelder]

Same here, I bought NAPA boots. Ill pull it, Im itching to know how to do it anyway.

 

[Hyde802]

Are your other boots ripped or they just fell off?

I vote new straps and grease and be done with it. Ive had sticks push mine off, and fixed them on the trail with a large ziptie.. that was 3 years ago and it still going fine.

Its easier to replace the whole CV shaft than replace a boot...

 

[Azwelder]

Upon closer inspection, I have small tears in the passenger side boots only, driver side is good but showing some dry rot. I bought boots from Napa but like you said, it will probably be easier to just replace the entire axle shaft instead of messing with the boots. I can get a new axle for $62 where as the boots cost me $35. I may keep the boots and rebuild my old axle for a spare.

 

[KidVermicious]

I may keep the boots and rebuild my old axle for a spare.

This is a good idea, but don't buy those cheap remanned shafts. Get new NAPA or Toyota shafts, or order new shafts from CVJ. The cheaps are ok for a street rig, but will not hold up to wheeling.

 

[Azwelder]

All replacement parts to this point have been NAPA parts. Would you not recommend their reman shafts either? Their new shafts are $130. Their reman is $52 plus $11 core.

 

[KidVermicious]

All replacement parts to this point have been NAPA parts. Would you not recommend their reman shafts either? Their new shafts are $130. Their reman is $52 plus $11 core.

I'm still on my original CVs so I don't speak from personal experience, but I'm pretty sure that every busted CV I've seen so far on other rigs has been a reman.

The reman has a lifetime warranty, doesn't it? You can always go that way if you don't mind changing a CV, I've pulled mine a couple times now and it's not that hard once you get it down. But I'd still rather pay the extra for the more reliable part.

 

[Footofgod]

I buy the new GSP shafts from Advanced Auto. So far the one I have in has stood up to some fairly gnarly abuse and it only cost $69.99 vs their reman for $59.99. I have another new one to replace my other original shaft on the passenger side. The GSP have a life time warranty and I did call that in on one so far due to the seal to the steering knuckle not seating right (probably my fault). Advanced swapped it out for a new one, no questions asked.

Whatever you choose, don't buy unless new and with a lifetime warranty. The boot kits seem way over priced when you compare them to just buying a new axle.