Help before I head to the mechanic...

[Tleahcim]

Hi folks,

I'm pretty sure I need to replace my driver side CV boot (see pic) but I wanted to get some opinions before heading off to the mechanic.

1. First, am I right in assuming that the leak is coming from the CV boot? I figured the other stains in the pic are from the fluid being flung around as I drive.
2. Should I replace the whole boot or just see if it can be resealed? The 4Runner has 180K miles on it and has never been serviced.
3. Do I need to replace both the driver and passenger sides? There's no leak on the passenger side but I didn't know if they need to be replaced in pairs.
4. Does anything else need to be replaced at the same time or is it a single part procedure?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[2014 Warthog]

Is that a crack along the ridge of the boot closest to the wheel hub?

Heh if so then yes, time to replace boot.

Though it would be more expensive of course, I would personally consider having all 4 replaced simply so that you aren't replacing one every year or two as they all end up failing one at a time.

There are also some split boots you can use to do the job yourself rather simply without removing the axles. Search the forum here, there's at least one person has put up a thread about it.

 

[ebg18t]

Mike - the boot appears to be torn. So you have 2 options. Reboot the axle or just replace the axle. Mine actually split tonight so I am in the same boat.

I am going to order a new one with extended boots from CVJ Axles and have a Freind here install it. Rebooting is cheaper (parts wise) but if your not doing the labor it might cost you more.

 

[jimmied]

If split and slinging that much I would replace complete axle but I tend to go overboard and I get the toyota discount on these parts thank goodness. Lol

 

[Tleahcim]

Thanks for the confirmations everyone!

I'm just going to go ahead and replace both of the front CV axles. With that much grease in the well, I figured it's been going on awhile and who knows how much desert dust has gotten trapped. Plus, I did remember hearing some grinding when I was backing out of a parking space so I'm definitely playing it safe.

Does $420 sound reasonable? It's parts and labor for both sides.

 

[zonianbrat]

I think that sounds like a good deal if I read it correct and your total will be 420 out the door with two new (or refurbished) cv's and labor. Napa here sells Cv's for about 75 to 80 dollars if I remember correctly from when I bought mine.

 

[Dylan]

Judging by the splatter pattern on the LCA, it certainly looks like it's coming from a tear in the boot.