CV joint rebuild or not to rebuild, that is the question!!!

[alia176]

Morning fellas,

I was in the process of replacing the hub seals, bearings and CV boots on the passenger side when I noticed that the needle bearings are shot in my aftermarket CV shafts. The PO bought them, so not sure how old these units are but they're NOT OEM!

In any case, should I replace the needle bearing things along with the boots? I purchased OEM Toyota boot/grease/clamp kit. I realize that these are *only* $80 or so in the usual auto parts houses but times two $160 that I'd rather not part with at the moment.

Two out of the three needle bearing cage things are shot so I'd be replacing all three needle bearings on both axle shafts. Having never bought these things before, not sure if I should be using the OD of the yoke measurements or some other measurements for a good fitment. So, thinking out loud, it seems like unless I know the exact manufacturer of my current shaft, it's a bit of a gamble trying to find the roller needle cages. I can't imagine these Chinese parts follow any kind of a standard when it comes to these things.

Let's hear your thoughts please!

Thanks and happy Monday!

Ali

 

[Porqupine82]

Morning fellas,

I was in the process of replacing the hub seals, bearings and CV boots on the passenger side when I noticed that the needle bearings are shot in my aftermarket CV shafts. The PO bought them, so not sure how old these units are but they're NOT OEM!

In any case, should I replace the needle bearing things along with the boots? I purchased OEM Toyota boot/grease/clamp kit. I realize that these are *only* $80 or so in the usual auto parts houses but times two $160 that I'd rather not part with at the moment.

Two out of the three needle bearing cage things are shot so I'd be replacing all three needle bearings on both axle shafts. Having never bought these things before, not sure if I should be using the OD of the yoke measurements or some other measurements for a good fitment. So, thinking out loud, it seems like unless I know the exact manufacturer of my current shaft, it's a bit of a gamble trying to find the roller needle cages. I can't imagine these Chinese parts follow any kind of a standard when it comes to these things.

Let's hear your thoughts please!

Thanks and happy Monday!

Ali

I determined that replacing the whole shaft was my answer. Bought my shafts from rockauto

 

[alia176]

I determined that replacing the whole shaft was my answer. Bought my shafts from rockauto

Rockauto has good prices and looks like the products have limited lifetime warranty but collecting on the warranty might be a slight pain due to shipping, waiting, etc. Still $40-$70 price range + shipping might be worth the effort.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Silver4RunnerIS300]

I opted to replace the half shafts and rebuild the ones I took off. Now I have spares should a situation arise where I need to replace one. The ones I bought have a lifetime warranty so I'm satisfied with my decision.

 

[blackfc3s]

i would reboot, but I'm biased.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/215673-so-i-r-rd-my-cv-axles.html

 

[alia176]

Rebooting is a part of rebuilding process, along with replacing the needle bearings. Anyone replaced the needle bearings in these things?

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[MFreund]

Rebooting is a part of rebuilding process, along with replacing the needle bearings. Anyone replaced the needle bearings in these things?

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If it was mine, and I needed needle bearing it is time for a whole shaft. When I put on a new boot, it still has grease and grease is clean.

If you are tight on cash, clean joint up really well and make sure you have every bearing. If you have it all reboot it and run it. You are only out a boot if it does not last. You can always get a reman shaft later.

 

[alia176]

Agreed, just picked up a reman shaft.

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