Do I need to replace control arm if axle boots leaking

[qingyuwu]

Hi Folks,
I have a 06 4runner V8. The dealership told me the cv boot is leaking and they want to replace the whole axle and control arm. I did some homework online, and ask for advice what should I do.
1. Just replace the boot. The labor fee should be similar with replacing axle, but the axle may already got bad because the dirty stuff is in the cv joint. But the quality of the original axle should be much better than that from store which is $69.

2. replace the whole axle with the original part. I checked the price from Toyota Parts Barn - The #1 Source For Genuine Toyota Parts And Accessories, looks very expensive ($400+).

Also, do you folks think I really need to replace the control arm? I don't understand why the cv boot leaking can harm the control arm.

Thanks a lot,

Any advices will be highly appreciated.
-----------------------------------------------
Sorry for the confusing, I went to the dealer again today. They told me that I have a upper control arm bushing and lower control arm bushing leaking as well, and both of my front CV boots are leaking. So, they suggest to replace two axles + two control arms. Also one of my parking brake shoes can not return to the proper position, they want to replace the whole parking brake, although I think this problem can be fixed by adjusting the parking brake or change the cable. All of them will cost ~$4000+!!!! It is crazy!! They charged me $120 for the checking !! I bought the car from that dealer 4 months before!!!
I think this is my first and last time to go there.
Any advices??

Thanks

 

[kernel.panik]

I would try the 4th Gen section, the 3rd Gens ended in 02, though there are quite knowledgeable peeps that could tell you either way.

I don't see where replacing the entire control arm would ever be needed if your CV boot is bad. I can see where they would want to replace the whole axle, I don't think dealerships just put boots on.

Again, I know nothing about 4th Gens.

 

[steezemcqueen]

Moved to the 4th gen section.

As for your question, there should be no need to replace the control arm if just your CV boot is leaking. Not sure why the dealer recommended that unless they are recommending the ball joints too.

 

[Sungod]

Hi Folks,
I have a 06 4runner V8. The dealership told me the cv boot is leaking and they want to replace the whole axle and control arm. I did some homework online, and ask for advice what should I do.
1. Just replace the boot. The labor fee should be similar with replacing axle, but the axle may already got bad because the dirty stuff is in the cv joint. But the quality of the original axle should be much better than that from store which is $69.

2. replace the whole axle with the original part. I checked the price from Toyota Parts Barn - The #1 Source For Genuine Toyota Parts And Accessories, looks very expensive ($400+).

Also, do you folks think I really need to replace the control arm? I don't understand why the cv boot leaking can harm the control arm.

Thanks a lot,

Any advices will be highly appreciated.

The only reason to replace the lower control arm would be if it were bent. It has nothing to do with a torn boot.

As for replacing the boot, as long as the joint is still good, just replace it. You will find it a lot cheaper to go with an after market axle. An aftermarket axle runs $50. A boot is $10 x 2 and you have to pay labor to install it which will put it about the same price.

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

Yea replacing an axle isn't bad. I don't see how having a torn cv boot has anything to do I both needing a new control arm.

Maybe they were saying that the control arm was damaged and needed replaced? I'm not sure why they would say that lol

 

[qingyuwu]

The only reason to replace the lower control arm would be if it were bent. It has nothing to do with a torn boot.

As for replacing the boot, as long as the joint is still good, just replace it. You will find it a lot cheaper to go with an after market axle. An aftermarket axle runs $50. A boot is $10 x 2 and you have to pay labor to install it which will put it about the same price.

But I was told the quality of the aftermarket axles is much worse than the OEM one. They do not last long, especially driving the truck off -road.

 

[zopperman]

But I was told the quality of the aftermarket axles is much worse than the OEM one. They do not last long, especially driving the truck off -road.

doesn't matter, they have a lifetime warranty. Not 100% sure I agree with that either.

On what are you basing that? did the toyota dealer tell you to buy toyota parts?

 

[qingyuwu]

doesn't matter, they have a lifetime warranty. Not 100% sure I agree with that either.

On what are you basing that? did the toyota dealer tell you to buy toyota parts?

No, I got the information online. Some of them are from this forum. Thanks for your reply!

 

[NJshadow93]

Hi Folks,
I have a 06 4runner V8. The dealership told me the cv boot is leaking and they want to replace the whole axle and control arm. I did some homework online, and ask for advice what should I do.
1. Just replace the boot. The labor fee should be similar with replacing axle, but the axle may already got bad because the dirty stuff is in the cv joint. But the quality of the original axle should be much better than that from store which is $69.

2. replace the whole axle with the original part. I checked the price from Toyota Parts Barn - The #1 Source For Genuine Toyota Parts And Accessories, looks very expensive ($400+).

Also, do you folks think I really need to replace the control arm? I don't understand why the cv boot leaking can harm the control arm.

Thanks a lot,

Any advices will be highly appreciated.
-----------------------------------------------
Sorry for the confusing, I went to the dealer again today. They told me that I have a upper control arm bushing and lower control arm bushing leaking as well, and both of my front CV boots are leaking. So, they suggest to replace two axles + two control arms. Also one of my parking brake shoes can not return to the proper position, they want to replace the whole parking brake, although I think this problem can be fixed by adjusting the parking brake or change the cable. All of them will cost ~$4000+!!!! It is crazy!! They charged me $120 for the checking !! I bought the car from that dealer 4 months before!!!
I think this is my first and last time to go there.
Any advices??

Thanks

I would definitely not go there again and go to a different dealer or shop. Also, bushings don't leak. They can crack, split, dry rot, wear out, etc, but there's not fluid inside of them that would leak. I would start with replacing the axles since it seems that that's the most important issue at the moment. Deal with the control arms later on if need be.

 

[qingyuwu]

I would definitely not go there again and go to a different dealer or shop. Also, bushings don't leak. They can crack, split, dry rot, wear out, etc, but there's not fluid inside of them that would leak. I would start with replacing the axles since it seems that that's the most important issue at the moment. Deal with the control arms later on if need be.

Thanks for your advice. But I saw there was some grease around the control arm, what is that?

 

[qingyuwu]

doesn't matter, they have a lifetime warranty. Not 100% sure I agree with that either.

On what are you basing that? did the toyota dealer tell you to buy toyota parts?

Thanks, do you have any brand or website to recommend?

 

[zopperman]

Thanks for your advice. But I saw there was some grease around the control arm, what is that?

Could be a bunch of things, ball joints, CVs etc..

Thanks, do you have any brand or website to recommend?

I think autozone and napa both have lifetime warranty

 

[oljedi11950]

Just repack them, new boots & clamps , should clean up easy !

 

[qingyuwu]

Could be a bunch of things, ball joints, CVs etc..



I think autozone and napa both have lifetime warranty

I check more pictures, that is from ball joint bushing. I have no idea why they want to replace the whole control arms.

Can I go off-road with those aftermarket axles?

 

[qingyuwu]

Just repack them, new boots & clamps , should clean up easy !

Sounds great.

 

[zopperman]

I check more pictures, that is from ball joint bushing. I have no idea why they want to replace the whole control arms.

Can I go off-road with those aftermarket axles?

Yes absolutely