canucklehe

no, i think that is ridiculously expensive. I'd never re-boot. A complete new axle with new boots on BOTH inner and outer, with NEW CV components is less that $100 each from most any parts store. It is not a complicated job and most mechanics should be able to easily do this job. Both axles should take 2-3 hours (like 1- 1.5 hours per side).

re-booting an old axle never makes sense to me because while grease was leaking out, the bearings, cage etc..., are getting contaminated with water, dirt, etc..., which starts to pit and wear the CV joint. AND... a complete new axle is so much cheaper.

my guess is dealer would try to sell the fear-factor of: "But those are cheap, inferior, off-shore components in the replacement axle. you get what you pay for". My response; BS!! As if every car manufacturer doesn't already try to out-source cheapest parts they can to assemble new cars.... I've used many after-market axles and haven't had any major issues.

Jacket

While you can certainly argue the point about dirt and debris getting inside the boot, there is no way you can argue that a $50 ebay CV axle is anywhere near the build and material quality of an OEM axle. Those cheap Chinese knock offs might get you to the grocery store and back, but if you ever want to take your LX into the back country and test it a bit, there's no way you'd want to run anything but OEM. I've seen plenty of Autozone/Ebay/Checker axles blow up with the slightest additional wheelspin and torque on the axle. I'd much rather reboot an OEM axle than run a knock off.

hankinid

At that price, I believe you definitely will get serviced.


^Thread.

When I've driven 6-8 hours on BLM fire roads to get to a trail head, the last thought on my mind is how much money I've saved on cheap Chinese truck parts.

Do your homework. Find a good indy Toyota or Lexus shop to do the work. PM cdan or beno on mud for good deals on parts pricing. Replacing a CV axle is not especially difficult, any special tools needed can be "rented" for no cost at most auto parts stores.

hth

Steve

ThChinaman

Today a Lexus dealer in CA quoted me $863 to have both front boots done.

canucklehe

both boots on one axle, or 4 boots for 2 axles?

Speaking of back roading, we replaced the stock Japanese made OEM axles on our Yamaha Rhino UTV, the ones that are famous for breaking and leaving us stranded in back country, with after market SuperATV brand axles. Thicker, stronger, better, cheaper. No problems. I seem to recall around $100 each (probably cheaper than that). Gorilla was another option but a lot more money for the name.

I know that's ATV/UTV and not a car. Point is: I think there are still some good after market brands for less. You can probably ask around at local auto parts stores, check forums, ask what is a good after market axle. My guess is every auto manufacturer is getting parts built as cheap as possible but to their standards (so they say). So you may be buying the same thing.

my friend owned the only local CV axle rebuilding business in an area servicing 2-3 million potential customers. He shut it down because the cheap parts store axles were less than he could rebuild them for.

hankinid

Not sure if I can recommend a particular shop here...so, PM me for a great shop specialzing in 'Yota products in San Carlos.

hth

Steve

ThChinaman

Both boots on one axle.

Boater46

On my 2004 GX470, I noticed the boot on the CV joint is all oily.
I see no tears on the boot and wondered if the greasy substance could be engine
oil from the valve cover.
Any advise out there?

thaeleelyr

I don't have your vehicle. I have an old 99 RX300. One of my boots was doing the same thing. No tears, etc. I couldn't see any place where oil could have dripped onto it, so I replaced it. When it was off, I could see that the boot was dry rotted by squeezing it. So I imagine that grease was leaking out through micro fractures. That's one possibility.

ogjohnsmit

I had my LX fronts replaced at a Toyota dealership for $699. My driver side boot was fine but the passenger side had grease around the boot. I asked my service rep if it really needed replacing or could they just tighten the bands. He said the plastic shrinks over time because of heat and the boot shifts slightly off the groove on the axle breaking the seal. The explanation made sense to me so I had them replaced.

RobRed

For a mall cruiser the cheaper CV axles can work. If you use your LX / Land Cruiser as god intended - under no circumstances use anything but the OEM toyota axles. Anything less and you will pay the price for your frugality.

YOu can totally reband the CV boots . Dont be lied to by the dealer. These clamps have been used by hundreds of LX/LC owners.

http://www.pfranleds.com/cv-clamp-kit-6-piece/

Max707

Excellent advice.

ucdruby

Rebuilding the CV axles doesn't make sense to me. I recently had a CV joint axle boot leak (they detected it at my last oil change.) I have a GS 350 AWD. The dealership charged me $520. They included a complimentary loaner car and they detailed my GS 350.

I compared prices. Toyota quoted me $760 and a trusted local shop wanted $420. I went with Lexus as they provided me with a loaner for two days and they really stand by their work.

Max707

Don't forget the cookies and the work is warranted

mycholly

Can you provide the location of this shop? I have a 2008 lexus is250 AWD and i went to Longo Lexus (so cal) and they quoted me over $1100 to replace my front axle.