whirlygig

I have a leaking rack and pinion and have been topping off the slow leak. I put some lucas stop leak in the res. to see if it might stop the leak, and it has almost done so. Anything to postpone the $1000-$1400 new R&P.
I looked under the car today to see if the leak was still dripping cause the res. was holding the level good.I saw that the the right cv boot is split, an inch, in two of the bellows. Could the lucas have swollen the rubber on the boot enough to cause the split.It was beyond question, fine before...I saw it.
Can I drive it?
Is there a way to replace the boot only?
Is this the passive or drive axle?
Is the lube in there fluid or grease?
What should I do...for the least cost to fix?

Carver

I had to replace my rack recently at 73k, I was having the brakes done at the same time so I'm not sure what the labor was but 1000-1400 sounds pretty high. My mechanic insisted on a rebuilt factory unit which was around 300 as I recall. I don't believe anyone would charge 700 for labor on that job!

whirlygig

The Lexus dealer saw the leak when inspecting the floor mat recall and quoted $1400. Toyota-$1000. Have not checked my guy yet.

whirlygig

Carver, Im glad you got what you feel was a good price. A rebuild unit is std. for replacing the rack.
Can anyone answer the questions I posted?

HtownBlue

It is possible to replace the boot alone, but the process in doing so usually requires the CV axle to be removed anyways.

Here's the issue you have: Once a boot is cracked, the CV axle begins to lose grease and lubricant which in time will cause CV damage. Its a matter of time now. Could be years or months depending on how bad the crack is.

I would not pay that much to have it replaced. That is fairly high.
On a side note, I replaced a rack on my last RX and it was actually a fairly easy job. It was quite easier than I thought it would be. I did it in about 2.5 hours IIRC.

Definitely look to get the axle replaced with the new boot or new axle at some point.
It is a drive axle friend.
You can replace boot alone, but it may not cost much less minus the axle part cost itself.
There is axle grease on the CV joints.

In theory you could lubricate them regularly through the cracks in the CV boot, but that would be more pain than its worth.

whirlygig

Thanks Houston. That's good info.

thomas1

A rebuilt axle should cost you less than $100, than it is a matter of the labor....

RX330inFL

Check with your local NAPA store. They have the whole CV drive shaft assembly, new, at under $130. All new boots, etc.

whirlygig

I found that I can go online and get the same axle and rack, from the same Mfg. as NAPA said they use, for way less. Both will be rebuilts which is pretty std.
I have to go through the core charge refund, but I still come out way ahead, cost wise. I am hopeful that I can find some one ( maybe my guy) to install and be happy making the $ off the labor.
Has anyone used online and core charges and had luck getting timely refunds on the cores?
I don't know if I should list the parts website, but they have a name like the computer techs at Best Buy.....

whirlygig

Well, I guess that is what these forums are for.
I found "Partsgeek.com", has real good pricing and are rated pretty good on "ResellerRatings.com".
Has anyone used them?
If so, how long to get the core-charge credit?

HtownBlue

Whirly,
If you order online, you will save a few dollars, but it will take a while for them to reissue the core. Usually a few weeks after they receive the core back. Partsgeek is a decent seller and has a good rep. I've purchased from them before with no issues.

whirlygig

Thanks Houston. I am going to NAPA for quick core refund. Doing the CVaxle first. They use A1 cardone parts which are rated pretty good.

RX330inFL

This is what I was referring to above:

https://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...+50039+2039028

Same thing that you ended up with?

vj3

I don't know what yr is your ride, but if it's still under warranty dealer will
replace your axle boot for free. They just did it to my passenger side for free.
( 2006RX 62Kmiles) Warranty coverage is for 72 months or 70K miles w/c ever comes first. Just want to help.