Dealer says replace both front axles..

[tombob55]

Stooped by the dealer to have an oil change and tire rotation today on my '05 SR5 Sport with 132,000 miles.

The service rep came out with a long list of "recommended" items. She said the techno an said both CV boots were torn and he drained "rusty water" from one. They are recommending both axles be replaced.

"You can't just replace the boots?" I asked. (As has. When done on other vehicles I have had with torn or cracked boots.)

No, she said the only way to fix them was to replace both axles. The estimate was $1500!

So, is this bogus? Are there alternatives?

And note that the 4Runner has NO symptoms, no clunks, clangs or grinding from the front end


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[Inv4drZm]

Stooped by the dealer to have an oil change and tire rotation today on my '05 SR5 Sport with 132,000 miles.

The service rep came out with a long list of "recommended" items. She said the techno an said both CV boots were torn and he drained "rusty water" from one. They are recommending both axles be replaced.

"You can't just replace the boots?" I asked. (As has. When done on other vehicles I have had with torn or cracked boots.)

No, she said the only way to fix them was to replace both axles. The estimate was $1500!

So, is this bogus? Are there alternatives?

And note that the 4Runner has NO symptoms, no clunks, clangs or grinding from the front end


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I paid $500 for Toyota to install one CV when I didn't know any better. Now I am thinking what I could have done with that money after removing one myself... $1500 sounds ridiculous.

Pictures are worth a thousand words. May not even need changed.

 

[ZebRuaj]

Looks like you live in the great rust belt like me. If they've been torn and the cv joints themselves suspect to water and salt exposure, there's really no point in rebooting to save them.

But like ^^ said, pictures are worth 1000 words.

 

[Brian3676]

Its definitely common thing to happen. $1500 is insane though. CVJ, proble the best aftermarket/reman brand you can get, is $99 each, then of course install. Shop rate I could see install being $300-400. Evan at that though you are out of pocket $700 tops vs $1500.

 

[rct127]

At that price, I would:

1. Try a private shop for a rebooting or rebult CV replacement quote.
2. Buy the axles on Rockauto and follow the DIY posts on here.
3. Get some split boots, cut the old ones off and put on the split boots in the driveway, pack them with grease and see how long they last before trying 1 or 2.

Good luck. I have a boot starting to crack that I am watching and deciding what to do. Leaning toward option 2 or 3 based on $.

 

[drev7]

Last year I had a similar diagnosis so I took it to my, now only, mechanic for a 2nd opinion to see what they'd come up with. Nothing, they found nothing. I then told them what the dealer said they found and they looked again, nothing. Could be something they're pushing for whatever reason or $ quota, I don't know but I'll never go back to my local dealer.

 

[techoguy]

I had a local shop quote me around 600 for the replacement CVs with remanufactured units. They ended up doing other work too so the total price went up.

 

[tombob55]

Last year I had a similar diagnosis so I took it to my, now only, mechanic for a 2nd opinion to see what they'd come up with. Nothing, they found nothing. I then told them what the dealer said they found and they looked again, nothing. Could be something they're pushing for whatever reason or $ quota, I don't know but I'll never go back to my local dealer.

I crawled under the 4Runner to take a look for myself. Indeed, both inner boots were separated at the band—I assume the rubber just deteriorated, so they were correct. Oddly, I saw no grease running out or evidence it had; maybe it's already gone.

Anyway, thanks for weighing in, guys. I have an appointment Monday with the shop I have been using for 30 years.


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[SpeyRunner]

I crawled under the 4Runner to take a look for myself. Indeed, both inner boots were separated at the band—I assume the rubber just deteriorated, so they were correct. Oddly, I saw no grease running out or evidence it had; maybe it's already gone.

Anyway, thanks for weighing in, guys. I have an appointment Monday with the shop I have been using for 30 years.


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FWIW if you are reasonably capable with tools it is very easy to replace the these yourself. You can get the axles for $200
Shipped on Amazon


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[oljedi11950]

If so rockauto ! 05 at 123 replaced right one . But again boots & packing kit & go you'll know if they're bad then !

 

[tombob55]

FWIW if you are reasonably capable with tools it is very easy to replace the these yourself. You can get the axles for $200
Shipped on Amazon


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I used tackle jobs like this on older vehicles, but I don't have the get-go. If my son were at home, I would do it.


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[BlackWorksInc]

I crawled under the 4Runner to take a look for myself. Indeed, both inner boots were separated at the band—I assume the rubber just deteriorated, so they were correct. Oddly, I saw no grease running out or evidence it had; maybe it's already gone.

Anyway, thanks for weighing in, guys. I have an appointment Monday with the shop I have been using for 30 years.


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Be very careful and do your research if you're not going to use CVJ or Toyota axles. A lot of guys have had questionable longevity and reliability on "OEM" axles (particularly when they off-road), so if it's a daily driver you should be okay.

How long can you be out of a vehicle? If this shop is willing, you can have them pull the axles; pull the boots off and inspect them. If they look good, order reboot kits from Toyota (or a Toyota supplier) and have them rebooted. If not, have them replaced with new axles.

 

[steveni70]

Last year I had a similar diagnosis so I took it to my, now only, mechanic for a 2nd opinion to see what they'd come up with. Nothing, they found nothing. I then told them what the dealer said they found and they looked again, nothing. Could be something they're pushing for whatever reason or $ quota, I don't know but I'll never go back to my local dealer.

Who's your mechanic? The dealer said I needed new axles too but I know they are leaking from the increased angle.

 

[tombob55]

Who's your mechanic? The dealer said I needed new axles too but I know they are leaking from the increased angle.

It's a local shop here in southern Illinois. They've worked on every vehicle I have owned since around 1987. The owner and his brother are old school mudders from the 70s. I have always been satisfied with their work, and they guarantee parts and labor for a year after the repair.


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[radlynx]

Same here, I have a torn inner boots at 121000 miles. If you don't hear any clunking sound, you are good for a boots replacement but will take longer to fix it so replacing it is the fastest way. That's what I'm doing, bought the axles at Rock auto at 65 each. I received it and it seems solid to me. I don't do serious off roading so that works. I'm planning to tackle it myself around 3rd week this month which will include the lower control arm, axles and struts all bought at Rock auto. Parts all in all cost around 750 with shipping.

Stooped by the dealer to have an oil change and tire rotation today on my '05 SR5 Sport with 132,000 miles.

The service rep came out with a long list of "recommended" items. She said the techno an said both CV boots were torn and he drained "rusty water" from one. They are recommending both axles be replaced.

"You can't just replace the boots?" I asked. (As has. When done on other vehicles I have had with torn or cracked boots.)

No, she said the only way to fix them was to replace both axles. The estimate was $1500!

So, is this bogus? Are there alternatives?

And note that the 4Runner has NO symptoms, no clunks, clangs or grinding from the front end


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[GHARP57]

Be very careful and do your research if you're not going to use CVJ or Toyota axles. A lot of guys have had questionable longevity and reliability on "OEM" axles (particularly when they off-road), so if it's a daily driver you should be okay.

How long can you be out of a vehicle? If this shop is willing, you can have them pull the axles; pull the boots off and inspect them. If they look good, order reboot kits from Toyota (or a Toyota supplier) and have them rebooted. If not, have them replaced with new axles.

I second Blackworks opinion. The grease kits from toyota inlcude everything you need to redo them if they are worth it. The kits retail $48.20 each

 

[Mike07SE]

Be very careful and do your research if you're not going to use CVJ or Toyota axles. A lot of guys have had questionable longevity and reliability on "OEM" axles (particularly when they off-road), so if it's a daily driver you should be okay.

How long can you be out of a vehicle? If this shop is willing, you can have them pull the axles; pull the boots off and inspect them. If they look good, order reboot kits from Toyota (or a Toyota supplier) and have them rebooted. If not, have them replaced with new axles.

Agree from experience.

If you're stock height and don't wheel then aftermarket "OEM" axles from RockAuto, Autozone, etc. are OK... ish.

CVJ would be your best best. Check eBay, Craigslist, or local junkyard for extra sets to keep on hand while another is sent off for rebuild if necessary.

 

[ZebRuaj]

The good thing on these trucks is the CV axle is the same size L -> R. I replaced the drivers side with a RockAuto Cardone unit. My plan was to reboot the OEM unit and save it as a spare when needed, but I haven't gotten that motivated yet. Maybe once old man winter departs.

 

[Porqupine82]

Stooped by the dealer to have an oil change and tire rotation today on my '05 SR5 Sport with 132,000 miles.

The service rep came out with a long list of "recommended" items. She said the techno an said both CV boots were torn and he drained "rusty water" from one. They are recommending both axles be replaced.

"You can't just replace the boots?" I asked. (As has. When done on other vehicles I have had with torn or cracked boots.)

No, she said the only way to fix them was to replace both axles. The estimate was $1500!

So, is this bogus? Are there alternatives?

And note that the 4Runner has NO symptoms, no clunks, clangs or grinding from the front end


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Yes there are alternatives, buy two new CV axles for $65 each online and install them in 1 hour.

 

[Porqupine82]

Be very careful and do your research if you're not going to use CVJ or Toyota axles. A lot of guys have had questionable longevity and reliability on "OEM" axles (particularly when they off-road), so if it's a daily driver you should be okay.

How long can you be out of a vehicle? If this shop is willing, you can have them pull the axles; pull the boots off and inspect them. If they look good, order reboot kits from Toyota (or a Toyota supplier) and have them rebooted. If not, have them replaced with new axles.

Empire (or their new business name EMPI) are awesome, I have had mine at full compression to full articulation and have no issues!