sprocket

While I was troubleshooting the NAV issue I have, I decided to take a look under the GX to look at the radiator and anything else that looked out of whack. The radiator was clean, although there is some pink at the cap of the overfill canister.

Below is a picture of what I believe is the driver side CV axle. There is gray grease splattered behind it. I do not hear any clunk or clicking sound when turning so I want to address this quickly. Sorry for the crappy cell picture. It was gettng dark & I can take another.

I do not plan to do this myself. Would it be wise to buy the inside/outside boot kits, part #04438H from this page for both sides and bring them to my local shop? (I know the pass side is a different #) http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...X470-2004.html

At 82K I can see a bunch of maintenance on the horizon.

ALAN553

If there are no tears in the rubber could be a simple clamp replacement. I coating of grease is usually a clamp issue.

sprocket

Here is a much better picture I just took. It is clearly coming from the right side from this angle. I see a clamp on the larger side to the left, but not the smaller.

ALAN553

Looks like smaller clamp is missing unless grease is hiding it

danmm7

I had the same exact problem with my 2005 GX at 107k miles.
Replaced the inner boot myself. I bought the parts/kit from local Toyota dealership.
Perfect fit. Took me less than 2 hours. Not a hard job, but you need to wear good rubber gloves. It can get messy with all the grease there.

Don't buy aftermarket / non-toyota boots.
Good luck!

sprocket

I don't think there is a clamp on the smaller side. I'll take a closer look tomorrow. If it is just a missing clamp, how hard is it to simply shoot more grease in then install a new clamp?

ROSCOGX470

Not hard at all. Use the right grease and clamp her up.

sprocket

I'll see if I can find a DIY video.

Here is another picture I took yesterday. I haven't done much work on cars, but I'm not scared of it. Would you do both sides, inside and outside if I plan to keep it for a few more years?

ALAN553

So much for the clamp thing. I would just repair the torn one. Do them as they co e up. I have an 04 with 130k and have only had to replace a broken clamp....so far

bauer26

knock on wood

OP, I'd just replace the torn boot as well and either inspect the others or have the guys doing to the work do so. Replace as needed.

sprocket

Thanks guys. What do you think about the split boots? I've decided I really don't have the time or tools to tackle this so I'm going to call the Toyota dealer for a quote this morning.

I've also read a lot about replacing the axle with one made by A Cardone. It seems the labor is a good bit cheaper, and everything is being replaced. Any thoughts on this? I'd like to keep the GX another couple of years.

sprocket

Just talked to Toyota dealer. They suggest replacing the axle and charge $279 parts & labor for an aftermarket axle they buy through CarQuest. This is just the driver's side.

infinirx

This is not an uncommon problem actually. I have to do this as well.

sprocket

Local shop (high end but not fru fru) quoted $299 per side using EMPI Axles.

cssnms

Hey Jeff, why are they recommending replacing the axle? Looks to me like a simple inner/out boot replacement. Should run you no more than $350 for both sides at an indy. I just went through this myself. Don't repair and stay away from the split booths. Def do the inner and out on the same side and I would recommend just getting both sides done while your truck is at the shop. Not that I need to tell you this, but rubber breaks down over time and chances are the other side is not far behind.