CV Boots leaking. Ugh.

[stockrunner]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for advice on what to do about the CV Boots I saw leaking on my 2008 4Runner, 132k miles. See photos. Axle with the "CPTD" is passenger side and was replaced by dealership in 2019 when they said the original was leaking. The other/driver side (photo won't upload) is original axle and boot and seems like just the clamp slipped on the axle and boot slipped out from it.

I'm thinking I can keep the axles and just buy the Toyota OEM boot kit and have a 'good' mechanic replace the boots. I don't think I want to try this myself, especially without a lift.

Any thoughts or ideas? If the driver side is simply a matter of the clamp and boot slipping out from it, is there a way to regrease the joint and reclamp it without pulling the axle off?

 

[Forum148]

Its easier to replace the whole axle than replace the boot. I've had to replace 3-4 cv's in my 6 years of owning the truck. Super easy to do on your own if you are handy otherwise like $3-400 to have a shop replace it.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I just had my L/F CV boot and axle replaced on 12/12/23. The cost was $445 and the shop (which is a Toyota certified repair shop) said the same thing as Forum48. It's easier and no more expensive than if you just replaced the boot. (The shop said the R/F looked fine and no need to replace it yet.)

I have done a lot of work on cars over the years but there's just some things I won't do and this is one. I don't have the tools or knowledge to do it. I had a friend who tried to replace the boots on his Corolla and ended up having to have it towed to the shop.

If you have any doubt about your skills and tools, my recommendation is to pay the piper and get it done right.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Most seem to just replace the axle to get a new boot as aftermarket is so cheap. The way the lower control arm disconnects on these trucks the swap pretty simple.

There are split boot and stretchable boot options where you shouldn't have to remove it completely. Not sure how well they work though.

STRETCH CV Boots | STRETCH CV Boots, Rack Boots, Tools, Wipers & Gloves

 

[4R005]

Check driver side CV boots to ensure no splits. If its the outer boot its an easy fix with new SS bands and a $10.00 banding tool ( Lisle ). Band kit will have a short and a long band per CV boot. If its inner CV boot, then it'll mean getting UNDER vehicle to apply band(s). Remember to add grease to replace any lost material.
For the passenger side w/split boot. Yes, a replacement shaft w/boots is a quick and NO MESS solution. As other members had stated aftermarket shafts are quite reasonable price-wise.
I had replaced both sides of my front axle shafts boots and believe me, it was messy. Have on hand a bunch of shop towels.