Napa CV Axles update (w heavy duty boots)

[zguy1]

Just wanted to share an update on how my replacement Napa CV axles with the heavy duty boots are doing. I installed them in March and have driven about 18,000 miles since.

I just got back from a road trip and while I was doing an oil change and tire rotation, I noticed that one of my inner boots has a slight tear in it. There is some grease coming out at as well. I have to say that I am a bit disappointed that there is already an issue. I didn't expect Toyota longevity but maybe just a bit more life than 18,000 mile over 6 months.

Even though they are warrantied through Napa, I will not be replacing it at this point. I will only change it if I hear some noises or have another maintenance job which has me working near there.

I still stand by my decision to go aftermarket considering that I do not need to pay a mechanic to install or replace them. However, if you are thinking about aftermarket axles and need to pay someone to install them, then I think it is worth considering a higher quality option like CVJ.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[rdruss]

Does your 18K include some offroading? I've had a NAPA CV axle on since 2015 and 45K with no problems yet, but I'm all on road.

 

[zguy1]

Does your 18K include some offroading? I've had a NAPA CV axle on since 2015 and 45K with no problems yet, but I'm all on road.

No, nothing like that. Just some occasional dirt and gravel roads. Maybe I just got a bad one.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

I replaced mine with A1 Cardones. I off road a lot. The boots felt and looked exactly the same as the OEM. They've been riding smooth no problems. I kept my OEM set for trail emergency. Did you keep your original set? Just reboot it.

 

[zguy1]

I replaced mine with A1 Cardones. I off road a lot. The boots felt and looked exactly the same as the OEM. They've been riding smooth no problems. I kept my OEM set for trail emergency. Did you keep your original set? Just reboot it.

The axles I replaced were aftermarket so I didn’t reboot them nor could I use them as cores for rebuilt ones from CVJ.

 

[gimlithepirate]

Get 5th gen OEM Remans. Wish I had known about them when I did mine, but they are identical to the 4th gen CVs, but since they are reman they cost about half.

 

[JONBOY345]

I just got back from a road trip and while I was doing an oil change and tire rotation, I noticed that one of my inner boots has a slight tear in it. There is some grease coming out at as well.

I had a small tear in one of my CV boots as well, leaking some grease and I used some of the Toyota FIPG sealant on mine and it has stopped the grease from leaking out of the boot. The FIPG stays pliable so it's holding well after nearly a year of driving on it. Probably 8-9k. Worth a shot and can't hurt.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I had a small tear in one of my CV boots as well, leaking some grease and I used some of the Toyota FIPG sealant on mine and it has stopped the grease from leaking out of the boot. The FIPG stays pliable so it's holding well after nearly a year of driving on it. Probably 8-9k. Worth a shot and can't hurt.

Hmm, I may need to try this. I just noticed one of my 3 year old aftermarket shafts now has a torn boot. Blah.

 

[zguy1]

Get 5th gen OEM Remans. Wish I had known about them when I did mine, but they are identical to the 4th gen CVs, but since they are reman they cost about half.

I know the 5th gens are the same, however I didn't check for remans at the time. Where can you get those at?

I had a small tear in one of my CV boots as well, leaking some grease and I used some of the Toyota FIPG sealant on mine and it has stopped the grease from leaking out of the boot. The FIPG stays pliable so it's holding well after nearly a year of driving on it. Probably 8-9k. Worth a shot and can't hurt.

Ah, good to know. May try that this time around. thanks.

 

[gimlithepirate]

I know the 5th gens are the same, however I didn't check for remans at the time. Where can you get those at?




Ah, good to know. May try that this time around. thanks.

McGeorge and most other online parts retailers have them. Part is 43430-60061-84.

Really wish I'd known this 2 years ago when I paid 800 for OEM new to replace the crappy parts store ones that the previous owner put on.

 

[RTRSPRFTR]

McGeorge and most other online parts retailers have them. Part is 43430-60061-84.

Really wish I'd known this 2 years ago when I paid 800 for OEM new to replace the crappy parts store ones that the previous owner put on.

to add-on check online parts store of your local dealer. will be cheaper than calling in or ordering in-person. can do local pickup when ordering online for many. note there will be added $75 core charge refundable when returning old oem part.

 

[slixx1320]

McGeorge and most other online parts retailers have them. Part is 43430-60061-84.

Old post but when buying remans do you need a core exchange?

 

[thegame7]

Old post but when buying remans do you need a core exchange?

They charge a $75 core fee for OEM remans. You get that back when you return your old one.

Also that OEM reman part number must be the same for 5th and 4th gens. I came up with the same number when looking for the 4th gen number.

 

[ggreyrunner]

Last year when I was looking for replacement options I checked NAPA's heavy duty ones. When I pulled up the warranty, it was a Cardone warranty. It looks like that is not the case anymore. I ended up buying the Cardone's off of Amazon. They have been on a little over a year, no off roading and one has a small split in it all ready. Very disapointing. I am going to try to seal it.

 

[slixx1320]

They charge a $75 core fee for OEM remans. You get that back when you return your old one.

Also that OEM reman part number must be the same for 5th and 4th gens. I came up with the same number when looking for the 4th gen number.

Do they take any core in exchange or just OEM as core? I want to purchase 1 reman but don't want to give up my OEMs. I have 1 non-oem I prefer to give as core. My OEM are still good so I want to keep as a back up.

Also I noticed there are two PN. The other one is 43430-60082-84. Would this be for different years?

 

[thegame7]

Do they take any core in exchange or just OEM as core? I want to purchase 1 reman but don't want to give up my OEMs. I have 1 non-oem I prefer to give as core. My OEM are still good so I want to keep as a back up.

Also I noticed there are two PN. The other one is 43430-60082-84. Would this be for different years?

You’ll have to call a dealership but I imagine they want OEM.

 

[zguy1]

Update here.

I just replaced the Napa CV axles under warranty last week. My local Napa replaced them without any issue. With that said, Napa customer service (800 number) said CV axles have only a two year warranty but it is up to the store's discretion. When I bought them in 2001 supposedly they had a lifetime warranty. In any case, I am glad I got them replaced for no charge.

I wanted to share some additional information. The axles I just replaced were on for 75k miles. Even though the boots have been torn for almost 57k miles, there was zero noise coming from them. I only replaced them as I am doing a 5k mile road trip and they were looking like a hot mess with every area of the inner and outer boots torn. The original Napa part number for these was NMD 944082, which is no longer available now. I assume that's because of Napa is using a different supplier now.

The CV axles Napa replaced them with, NCV 944052, appear to be re-boxed TrakMotive TO-8168 axles. These are being sold for $42.79 each at Rock Auto as of today (8/11/25). These same axles at Napa are being sold for $174.99 each. There is supposedly a limited lifetime warranty from TrackMotive at Rock Auto but it does say, "The warranty is void if the boot is damaged in any way". So who knows if they would honor replace them or not when needed.

 

[rdruss]

I just removed a NAPA CV axle from my '03 after 70K miles and 10 years, it had no problem, just did both wheel bearings/hubs and both CV axles for maintenance at 161K miles. I dissembled the Napa and it is identical to the OEM axle, so will repack/reboot for a spare. I bought low mileage used OEM axles off ebay for my replacements, dissembled the OEM axle I took off, it was fine, but is now rebooted/repacked/painted, ready to go.