ALAN553

Just a heads up, check for grease leaking out of outer clamp of the inboard cv boot. Seems they are vulnerable to coming loose or breaking. Checked the 4runner forums and it seems to be common. Easy fix if you catch it early, tighten or replace clamp. You do need special tools for this clamp.

CdeFabio

Yep - I had to have mine tightened a few years ago, noticed them starting to seep. I did not expect to see that on this vehicle.

new2005GX

Noticed mine were leaking several weeks ago - got a price from Toyota Stealer to replace both inboard boots @ 420/ea. Does that sound reasonable?

Should I try to tighten them myself first?

ALAN553

All i can tell you is, i had my car in for new tires and showed the clamps to them, very little grease had leaked out yet, when i came back they replaced that clamp and the one on the drivers side, just to make sure and did not charge me, its like replacing a radiator hose, just need a special tool to tighten them. But if the boot is torn and or all the grease has gotten out and water has gotten in, then the boot may need to come off, cleaned or replaced, repacked with grease. you would have to check the price of the parts and how much dealer charges for their time, does seem a bit high...but thats why we bought the lexus instead of the 4runner..for that service experience.

new2005GX

supposedly, both of my inner boots are torn. Haven't crawled under there to look yet to confirm. I wonder if I could do this myself? I've replaced CV axles on other cars before but has anyone attempted this on the GX?

Also, if I do opt to have them change the boots for ~1K (both sides) -- would I be better off buying some re-manufactured/aftermarket axles and have those put in if the whole thing has to be taken apart anyway? Seems like new axles can be had for ~120/ea (OEM are ~500/eahttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:http://www.clublexus.com/get/forums/...ilies/eek1.gif)

ALAN553

looks like and easy but messy job. The only thing special you will need is a tool to tighten and lock the clamps, simple tools wont work. plenty of room to work.

ALAN553

PS, if you need more help, i was surfing some 4Runner forums, more DIY info there, i came across directions, pics and needed tools. you would have to do that homework yourself i did not save any of the sites.

new2005GX

Yeah it is here: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/cv_axle/ It is actually for a 3rd gen 4-runner but supposedly the process is almost identical.

Seems pretty comprehensive (and simple -- one guy says he did it in a half hr), based on the instructions, I could see that if all goes as planned (never does).

I'm probably going to attempt this and put in new CV axles on both sides for less than half the cost of the stealer re-packing & re-placing the boots on ONE side.

Can anyone confirm that the 4th gen 4-runner uses the same suspension as the GX?

If anyone in the Boston area needs this done and are willing to help me, I'll help you and we'll drink a six pack afterwards to celebrate. I plan on doing this in July when my wife & kids are on vacation.

Australian

I am always keeping my eyes out for a better clamp to suit cv's we all know a hose clamp is no good as it will hit the body. Many join several thin cable ties to try secure but....Has anyone found the ultimate cv boot clip?

cpeacox

OK. So I just had my first visit with the new local Lexus dealer. I've always had regular service every 5K niles and just moved to San Diego. This new dealer tells me my CV boots need to be replaced now when the previous dealer never said anything for the last 20K+ miles?

Si I took a look myself. I noticed no cracking or leaking from either the inner or outer boots. Am I missing something??

Do any of these look cracked or leaking?

Severum

Those look fine to me. I'd switch dealers.

Lexmex

I used these little clamps with a screw (so I can tighten them more) on my RX300 and remove easier to grease the things up.

ALAN553

Did the same thing, just may want to bend those ends in or cut them off so they don't pick up anything off the road.

Lexmex

I think this was after I cut it. I swore I had some other picture. This must have been like 4 years ago.

This saved me so much time everytime I wanted to grease down there. I had one of my own boots torn in Mexico and it took a bit of time one afternoon at my Uncle's shop to get everything off. I wish there was a handier technology to have a boot you could just take off and put on.