Re-using factory halfshafts?

[chris in ky]

Years ago it was common practice to pound off the old, worn out CV joint and tap on a new one. These days it seems more efficient to just replace it as a whole unit.

I have reservations about doing that, seems like refurbishing a factory part would be the safest way to go (short of a new factory part) as I frankly don't trust aftermarket units. Anyone do this?

Alternatively if that's not possible, what halfshafts are proven not to grenade?

 

[grave]

this is very common. you can find reman'd CVs on ebay from trusted sellers or i think you can overpay for one from the stealership.

any aftermarket CV worth a damn is going to cost more than a new OEM. don't pay $90 for a new CV from auto zone or your mechanic, they are garbage and will break on the trail. source: personal experience.

 

[chris in ky]

I'm sorry, are you saying it's best to get a whole unit or get my current factory shafts redone with a factory CV joint?

 

[Terminator03]

Are your current CVs shot, or are the boots just torn? Most of the threads I’ve read on here seem to indicate that the factory shafts and CVs are the best, and don’t seem to actually go bad that often, other than the boots tearing and leaking grease. Many just re-boot them, and of course, clean and re-pack with fresh grease. There are aftermarket rebuilt ones such as CVJ that I’ve seen recommended on here, but they are a lot pricier than normal parts store replacements.

 

[ZebRuaj]

My OEM axle boot was torn and slinging grease. Used it to negotiate a couple hundred bucks off when I bought it. I did keep the OEM shaft on the shelf, telling myself I'd rebuild it one day. It has now been 3 years.

I have a Cardone unit off Rock Auto on my driver side. My rig is all pavement with some back roads/service roads 1/2x a year. Aftermarket reman's works fine for me.

 

[trd_v8_sport]

I took my oem ones off at about 90k a few years ago and just rebuilt them with oem boots and grease since my boot was just torn. at 191k these days i still have no issues. i would definitely recommend rebuilding your oem ones if yours are only slinging grease and not making any noises

 

[chris in ky]

I honestly don't know if the joints are alright, both just have the typical torn inner boot. I don't know if a shop will just replace and repack the boot, they seem hellbent on replacing the whole thing.

The truck has 205k miles BTW. I doubt it's ever been offroad, still has the xreas system.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I honestly don't know if the joints are alright, both just have the typical torn inner boot. I don't know if a shop will just replace and repack the boot, they seem hellbent on replacing the whole thing.

The truck has 205k miles BTW. I doubt it's ever been offroad, still has the xreas system.

Yeah most shops probably wouldn't want to touch rebooting an axle, way easier and cheaper for them to swap it out entirely. I've done it too and it's a greasy mess.

At 205k miles I would just buy OEM CV's off ebay that have lower mileage, and reboot/regrease them myself, and take them to a shop to install if you don't want to do it yourself.

Or buy CVJ remanufactured OEM ones.

Or, if you stay on the streets, buy the cheap aftermarket CV's and see if you like them.

 

[grave]

i think the only problem with rebooting/regreasing the ones on your truck that are torn and spewing grease is that you have to do a thorough job cleaning everything out and inspecting the rollers and bearings that are in there to make sure nothing is too worn out. if your shit is worn out then new grease and boots won't fix that. better off just purchasing reman'd OEMs off ebay because, as invader zim said, it is a greasy fuxking mess.

 

[chris in ky]

Understandable, thanks.

Now is there a link for an example of what to look for on Ebay? I really don't get on there much, not sure which one's to consider.

 

[Ed_C]

Has anyone tried Cardone new (not reman'd) CVs? I used them years ago for a engine/trans swap on a FWD car with no issues.