BLS1

I'm at the start of a complete front suspension rebuild on my 1997 ES 300 with ~ 200,000+ miles. Started this project due to some strange noises on the left front side including some one per rev sounds. New pads and rotors did not fix the noise. I have new KYB struts and other components on hand. It looks like the outer CV boot on the axle is torn. It has probably been like this for some time.

Should I assume a new axle assembly is needed? It would be easy at this point since everything else in there has been removed.

From the archives I see that others have had good luck with axles from Phoenix Rack and Axle, still recommended?

KennyFSU

Can it not be rebuilt with a new boot and clamps?

LeX2K

Toyota sells (or did) reman axles for your car

43410-06170-84 RH
43420-06170-84 LH

Call a dealer to verify availability

Arsenii

Hello,

Hate to sound like a downer, but I wouldn't get any of the Toyota remanufactured parts again unless I can physically check them before laying any money down. My first, and probably last experience with them turned out being another can of worms, here is a link to the thread.

Not only that, but I was later charged 30% of its value as a restocking fee, since they were "unable to verify that the part is defective", to show that it had problems, I would've had to actually have them install it on the car and drive until it fails, and then there is a chance I would get a replacement, only to wait until it fails again. Other than that, unless you actually install the part at a dealership you bought it from, you are plum out of luck on any kind of warranty, as they would be "unable to verify that the part was installed correctly". No calls to the dealership, and even Toyota Customer Support helped, so I had to give in.

I am not saying that any and all experiences with Toyota remanufactured parts will be the same, my point is that you have to Verify what you are buying before you pay ANY money for it. Unless the dealership agrees to get the part to you for no charge, and allows the payment Only after it arrives, I would look for the alternative, even if you will have to rebuild the axle yourself, which is what I ended up doing with my rack.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

LeX2K

Can't say for sure but I think you were a victim of a shady dealer stuffing low end parts into a Toyota box. It's true that Toyota is now sourcing parts from OEMs in China and Mexico, nothing against those countries but they are producing parts to very low price points. Quality suffers. Example is some Toyota transmission filters are now made in Mexico and look suspect, aftermarket ones I recently got are Taiwan made and look much better. However, that rack you got is way below what Toyota would supply IMO.

I've been told Toyota gets their axles from Detroit Axle can't verify that.