Worth it to rebuild leftover OEM CV axles?

[jsmithjr732]

So I replaced my front CV axles as they started to leak after putting an SS 1.2 lift on my 2000 4Runner. I replaced both sides with O'Reilly axles, so now I have two left-over OEM axles.

I hear time and again that that the OEMs are beefier than aftermarket, so I looked into rebuilding them. One shop said it wasn't worth it, but that's one opinion.

Anyone here had their old OEM front axles rebuilt? I'd like to have a spare OEM axle to put back in when these O'reilly's go bad.

 

[manhunter]

If you do some serious off-roading, then it would not hurt to have a spare cv axle to take along on the trail just in case. If re-building one is cheaper than just buying another one to have as a spare, then go for it.

 

[jsmithjr732]

If you do some serious off-roading, then it would not hurt to have a spare cv axle to take along on the trail just in case. If re-building one is cheaper than just buying another one to have as a spare, then go for it.

I definitely want to have a spare with me. That's exactly why I'm looking into the rebuild. However, I don't think it's cheaper. Stronger, yes...but not cheaper.

Besides, I hate throwing away these two OEM axles if they can be rebuilt inexpensively. No clicking...just had some grease leaking.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Toyota OEM CVs are beefier than the aftermarket stuff. It is worth it to rebuild them. Use the aftermarket axles as spares.

 

[jsmithjr732]

Toyota OEM CVs are beefier than the aftermarket stuff. It is worth it to rebuild them. Use the aftermarket axles as spares.

Thanks.

Anyone know of a place in San Diego county that does them? I'm searching now, but if someone has a name...

 

[driffter33]

Thanks.

Anyone know of a place in San Diego county that does them? I'm searching now, but if someone has a name...

I will ask a guy I know today there might be a shop here in Buena Park that will do it. I know they do steering racks for the local dealer. I just need to find out the name of the shop and ask.

I still have my 2 that need redone also.

 

[Kmvreter]

So I replaced my front CV axles as they started to leak ...

I hear time and again that that the OEMs are beefier than aftermarket ...

If the boots aren't torn and are only leaking out the ends due to the clamps then you may not need a rebuild. May only need to regrease and clamp which is messy but a simple and cheap DIY.
Check the link in my signature where I did this on the vehicle.

 

[jsmithjr732]

If the boots aren't torn and are only leaking out the ends due to the clamps then you may not need a rebuild. May only need to regrease and clamp which is messy but a simple and cheap DIY.
Check the link in my signature where I did this on the vehicle.

Thanks! No clicking or noticeable change in the axles, so I may just be able to get away with that.

 

[maclean216]

AES in San Diego will rebuild your axles.
AES (Automotive Exchange & Supply, 619.282.3207)

Rebuilding the Half-Shafts on our Toyota 4Runner: Off-Road.com

 

[jsmithjr732]

AES in San Diego will rebuild your axles.
AES (Automotive Exchange & Supply, 619.282.3207)

Rebuilding the Half-Shafts on our Toyota 4Runner: Off-Road.com

Great, thanks!

 

[jsmithjr732]

Thanks again for the contact. AES quoted me $65 to rebuild the axle--3 hours to complete.

I'll see if I can get a T4R.org discount going.

 

[driffter33]

I have 2 that I would have done for the right price, including shipping.

 

[brian2sun]

You probably only need new boot clamps. Maybe boots too depending on the condition, but I doubt it. I would take the stock clamps off, shoot some grease into the boots, re-clamp them and call it done. Those will be more than good enough for spares for the trail and I doubt the actual CV joints need rebuilding unless there is a lot of play in them. $65 aint bad, but I doubt it's even necessary. My old pair of CVs leaked all the grease out, shredded the boots and still lasted through a harsh winter without breaking. They are pretty tough.