jaredmac11

1997 ES300

I had plans to update my entire suspension but money is a bit tight... that being said I absolutely need to do the CV shafts on my car. I hear a popping noise when I turn at low speeds (in car garages for instance) so I feel like they are on their way out.

Besides OEM, what would be a good manufacturer to get CV shafts for both sides? Anything else I absolutely should do while Im under there?

I was hoping I could do a full refresh of everything at once but I just dont have the money.

LeX2K

What car do you have? I would avoid Cardone, FEQ is good Empire is decent.

jaredmac11

I swear I forget to say that every time. 97 ES300. I'll research your suggestions. Thanks

80es300

If you already don't know, toyota sells re-manufactured cv shafts and many people say those are very good. I have seen online prices around $125 once you return the core.

LeX2K

Last I heard the remans you get from Toyota are made by Detroit Axle, made in China and possibly U.S. parts. I'd be interested to know if anyone here has installed them. A new axle from Toyota is a small fortune.

surgeon0

I would stay away from Cardone. NAPA line premium ones are good. If you do get Cardone, NAPA also has them if you want to get locally. Other than OEM (new or reman), NAPA would be my only other choice.

satiger

iTrader: (1)

I had a bad experience with NAPA CV axle. During an oil change found its leaking, didn't want to wait so went with remanufactured NAPA for $80 or $90. Six months later, its started leaking. Ironically that was the first non OEM part I used in ES.

Found a new CV axle sold by ConcordLexus in Amazon for $163 and purchased and replaced leaking NAPA one. I don't see that ConcordLexus part any longer in Amazon but here is the link , not sure it fits 97 models: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

LeX2K

^^ That's the way to go worth the extra money. According to this fits 1997-2001

80es300

Try your local dealer also. In the RX forum, a user recently posted that his local mechanic charged $200 for toyota re-manufactured axle and labor.

surgeon0

^^^ Thats the way to go. Difference between any aftermarket vs oem for +50-75 is worth it. You might get one from somewhere thinking you will save close to 100 but any oem is worth the extra cost and less headaches.

jaredmac11

It's really hard to bite on $400 worth of parts on a car that wouldnt fetch $2000 from an insurance claim or craigslist, but at the end of the day, if these off-brand CVs dont last a year...

hypervish

I understand your point. I was in the same boat, so i went with a FEQ Axle at 218,000 miles. I'm now at 242,000 miles and haven't had any issues...yet...

jaredmac11

I got a shaft seal just in case the ones coming out are worn. Do I have to pump any leaking trans oil back in, or can I just fill it from the top?


Should I consider anything else? It seems like a straight forward job. Wish I did this when I was doing the ball joints! Then again, I'll be saying the same thing when I get to suspension...