CV Shafts: OEM vs. Cardone (new)

[Doozi]

Hey guys... I'm trying to get my Runner back on the road and wanted to get your thoughts on axle-shafts.

My boots were losing grease and I looked into boot kits and found Cardone full axle-shaft assemblies (the new ones) at a pretty reasonable price so I went with them instead. I have since replaced the axles along with the diff seals and now my driver-side seal is leaking so I have to pull them out again. In the meantime, I purchased Toyota boot kits to rebuild the stock axles.

So now I'm trying to figure out which direction to go... use the Cardone axles or re-boot the stock axles and use those?

Please vote and post up any thoughts you might have on the subject. Thanks!

 

[Acidmeld]

You know what I voted for...

 

[4Running Daily]

Off topic but where do you order Toyota boot kits?

 

[Doozi]

You know what I voted for...

So now I'll need to figure out how to tighten the bands or find a shop to just re-boot them for me. Any ideas? :eyebrows:

 

[Acidmeld]

So now I'll need to figure out how to tighten the bands or find a shop to just re-boot them for me. Any ideas? :eyebrows:

You need a set of CV boot pliers. They're around $25.

 

[Doozi]

[No message]

 

[Doozi]

[No message]

 

[Doozi]

Off topic but where do you order Toyota boot kits?

OK... the issue with blank posts is supposed to be resolved! Let's try again...

I ordered the boot kits from Auto Parts Warehouse for $34.95 per side. Each kit comes with boots, bands, axle clips, and two containers of grease. All genuine Toyota parts. There are two different colors of grease in each kit... a tan and a black grease which must be for inner and outer joints. I'm not sure which goes where, but if I ever get around to pulling them apart it should be evident.

 

[Acidmeld]

OK... the issue with blank posts is supposed to be resolved! Let's try again...

I ordered the boot kits from Auto Parts Warehouse for $34.95 per side. Each kit comes with boots, bands, axle clips, and two containers of grease. All genuine Toyota parts. There are two different colors of grease in each kit... a tan and a black grease which must be for inner and outer joints. I'm not sure which goes where, but if I ever get around to pulling them apart it should be evident.

I'm fairly certain the black grease goes in the inner boot. Let me know if I'm right when you pull it apart.

 

[Doozi]

I'm fairly certain the black grease goes in the inner boot. Let me know if I'm right when you pull it apart.

You're right... black grease goes inboard and the tan grease goes in the outboard joint with the tripod bearing.

Question: Do you think that I'll be alright using new factory style clamps? I was thinking that I should use something like the Dorman-style that could possibly allow for a little more tension, but maybe fresh boots and clamps snugged down will be plenty. :noidea:

 

[Acidmeld]

You're right... black grease goes inboard and the tan grease goes in the outboard joint with the tripod bearing.

Question: Do you think that I'll be alright using new factory style clamps? I was thinking that I should use something like the Dorman-style that could possibly allow for a little more tension, but maybe fresh boots and clamps snugged down will be plenty. :noidea:

I think the factory style should be fine. I don't expect any clamps to keep tension for more than 5 years. I'm going to be reclamping mine this summer since a bit of grease is seeping past but I won't put new boots on until they tear. I'll probably reclamp them this week since I'm bringing it in to replace my diff fluids. I'm getting rid of the 90w-135 and going to Mobil 1 75w-90.

 

[Doozi]

Oh... I had it backwards! The black grease is outboard and the tan grease is inboard.

I also picked up the Lisle brand CV boot clamp pliers.

 

[Gerdo]

Get them rebooted at CVJ in Denver.
Aftermarket axles are junk.

 

[Doozi]

Get them rebooted at CVJ in Denver.
Aftermarket axles are junk.

I'm almost done rebooting the stock axles with genuine Toyota boot kits... I was just debating on which bands to use, but I'm pretty sure that I'll get them snugged down enough with the OEM style.

The Cardone axles that I bought are pretty nice with upgraded boots and I doubt that I'd ever have a problem with them, but I ended up with new axle shafts and new boot kits because I couldn't make up my mind so the stockers are going back in.

 

[Gerdo]

Good move going back to OEM axles.

Aftermarket axles are made from junk steel that is poorly heat treated and tend to break easier than OE (I have seen this many times). The have also broken inside the diss at the splines and is hard to get out. Some even bind at full droop. (these observations are all 3rd gen axles)

 

[Doozi]

Ok... I bought the CV Boot Clamp Pliers for the ear-type clamps and have gotten those taken care of. I'm now stuck on the "fold-over" type clamp. I'm trying to pull on the tab as I try to fold it over on itself, but it wants to bend in front of the pivot point. Any tips on this type of clamp? Thanks!!

The second one should go much quicker!!

 

[Acidmeld]

A long pair of pliers usually works the best. Even then they are still a PITA. Just take your time with them so you don't snap them off.

 

[Doozi]

Yeah... I'm working on them right now! Just getting the second axle back together and then I'll work on those funky clamps. Axles should go back in the 4Runner tomorrow!

 

[Doozi]

Just take your time with them so you don't snap them off.

Took my time, was seemingly making some progress, then I heard a snap and thought I was done, but it broke right at the bend. Looks like I'll be going to the parts counter tomorrow.