Dropped the car to dealer today - inspection @ 102k miles bad dv/axle

[uz214]

My 4runner 2003 has 106k miles on it.
i dropped the car to the local toyota dealer, asking if the timing belt is due since its past 90k miles, they informed me dont really need it until 130k and its a chain.

i got them to change the spark plugs and i told them to check the inspection or anything else that the car needed.

The service adviser called me and informed that the car is excellent condition suspension/brakes etc but it needs left side cv/axle dirt porbably went in and etc...
and wanted 651 for the labor and parts, which seemed kind of high. I said no thank you, i looked around the parts are about 65$ per side..

The question i have for you guys is should i just get one of the sides (cv/axle) done or both?...i am planning to get this done by my trusty mechanic.

 

[oljedi11950]

Some good post on this if search c/v axles , sometimes if your lucky can just replace boots & clamps , repack them with grease & go for many yrs . Or worst case buy from rockauto & have your guy replace them . Have your Mech check them proceed from there my 2cents

 

[GLP]

I had the same cv axle boot leak at about 130k miles. I have never heard anything about needing to replace both axles at the same time. I replaced just the bad one. Used aftermarket axle ($70, MasterPro from O'reilly) and did the work myself. I have since heard that the Cardone is the best aftermarket cv axle supplier.

 

[MikeInNH]

i dropped the car to the local toyota dealer, asking if the timing belt is due since its past 90k miles, they informed me dont really need it until 130k and its a chain.

I'd find a different dealer. Any dealer that tells you that you need to change a timing chain at 130k miles is looking for a few boat payments. You shouldn't have to worry about a timing chain for at least 250k miles. And chains usually don't just break...they slip..and before they start slipping they'll start making noise LONG before that happens.