Lexus1989

I got my 2011 ES 350 inspected at a dealership in Chicago last week and they told me that the passenger-side (right side) front axle boot was leaking grease. I'd noticed before that my car would shimmy/vibrate slightly when I accelerate, the vibration would intensify if I was accelerating up a hill. However, the mechanic at the dealership said the problem COULD be in the axle, but it could be something else. The car has new Michelin tires, I would assume the problem is tires, but that wound't explain the increased vibration that happens when driving up a hill. I talked to a local mechanic and he said he would replace the axle for $170 (Vs. $500 at he Lexus)

Could you please share your opinions? Do you think the vibration would disappear if I replaced the axle?

Lexi66

Curious... Is this a CPO? How many miles on your ride?

Lexus1989

It is not a CPO, it has 66K on it now

NickTee

Could be the axle, could be an engine mount.

oldgrump

Could you have hit or run over something that struck the underside of the car? If the vibration is being felt only on acceleration then it's not a tire issue. It's more plausible that there is a connection between the grease being flung out of the axle CV joint boot and the vibration. Grease leaking from a CV joint boot is usually due to the boot being cut or torn and it doesn't take long after that before the CV joint gets contaminated with moisture and dirt/grit etc. which results in rapid wear/failure of the CV joint. There are two (inner and outer) CV joints (and boots) per drive shaft......did the mech tell you which one threw the grease? (I'm guessing that it's the inner). The RH drive axle assembly also has a support bearing which can fail and could cause vibration. 170 bucks to replace a driveshaft sounds way too cheap.......I'd question the quality of that one.

Lexus1989

Thank you! That's why I was suspicious of the low price. When I asked the mechanic about the manufacturer of the axle, he said "it doesn't matter because it's new". So that made me skeptical of the whole thing. Do you know a website that has OEM Lexus parts?

NickTee

The V6 Camry and the ES350 will share the same part, so just get whichever is cheaper. That or do research and get one from Autozone that has a warranty and is a quality part.

Lexus1989

Thank you, Sir! I will let you know how it goes after I replace the axle

ESh

Toyo diy dot com

hypervish

Aftermarket axles are a hit or miss, and with a car this young it's not worth putting on an aftermarket axle. Many of them are junk. I highly suggest getting a new OEM axle, and if that is out of your budget then perhaps re-boot the current axle.

Lexus1989

Thanks!! I found it for about $800 , but again, it's OEM so it should be expensive

Lexus1989

I think I will go for an OEM axle. Thanks

NickTee

http://www.mylparts.com/parts/2011/L...&siteid=214992

$480 here, plus the 10% forum discount.

ESh

NickTee

Yeah, that's way too much. I linked where MyLparts has it for almost half of that.