JCC511

Sounds like CV drive axle issues to me. Any experience on how long it can go on with the noise and if there is a how to? I had to change this on an '88 Grand Am a long time ago.

Oro

Presuming it is cv noise, and not bearings, bushings, a mount, etc. - it could go a long time. Or not, depending upon weather, usage, driving habits.

If it is the CV just starting to make noise, your smartest move is to pull it, it re-pack it, and put on new boots. It may last the life of the car and work fine. That is presuming the boot is torn and it's dry. You can clean it out with diesel or gasoline before repacking it. This works a high percentage of the time if you get on top of it.

Are the boot(s) torn?

JCC511

I will have to climb underneath to have a look at the boots. It seems to be the CV as it mostly happens when making a turn. Do you know of a DIY step by step or video? I have never repacked them myself. I replaced with rebuilt on my older Pontiac. I believe I also need to replace my struts as I am pretty sure what I have now are the original equipment. I have been trying to take it easy, especially on turns. Thank you for your help.

JCC511

Masterpro CV-CV Axle Shaft or Import Direct Driveline-CV Axle Shaft? Does anyone have experience with these from O'Reilly Auto Parts? Thank you!

Links: http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.orei...n_jtt_redirect

surgeon0

If you are not getting oem reman or new, then Napa maxdrive. No AZ or orielly. Cardone which you can find in many places including Napa is one alternative that is low-end. Its just that it is a hit or miss but better than AZ.

JCC511

Good to know, thank you! I am going to look into OEM remanufactured if that is most recommended. I want to replace with as best as I can to get the most out of it.

Otherwise, I would like to repack and replace the boots if that can be easily enough. I am not sure how to tell if the parts are too far gone to do that. Any help there? It is definitely making the clickety-clack noise on turns.

surgeon0

Repack is good option. I had a leaky boot in my honda and fixed that after several months. So far it held up and still no noise yet after 3 years.

As for repack and grease type, I did not have to do in toy/lex yet but honda has different grease for inner vs outer. It is important to get the right one. Oro might know the right one to use here.

I saw youtube videos before on rebuild and it shows the wear on it. It might help a bit.

JCC511

More good stuff! Thank you very much. I will see what I can find on YouTube for the ES300 to determine if I should repack or replace. Some people would probably say just replace them.

Next question is, what else should I consider replacing while working on this?

mmatheny

On a '95 - the bearings! Also check brake discs and pads.

JCC511

Thank you for the tip! I will definitely look at the bearings. The rotors were supposed to have been machined before I got the vehicle, but I will take a look at the pads while I have close access.

I know I need new struts as I believe I am currently running on the original equipment. Any recommendations on what to use as replacement?

mmatheny

I've been told KYB makes good struts.

JCC511

Thank you! I will look into those.

JCC511

I wanted to check pricing on the axle and bearings from the dealer. I will list them below. I probably should have gotten the part numbers too for reference.

left side axle $237.74
right side axle $235.94
left or right side $116.35 each (same part number for each side)

I think I will be going with the NAPA option. It looks like they have NAPA "Proformer" for $34.20 (http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...153_0329278383) and NAPA Bearings for $56.70 each (http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...153_0327938441). Not sure what the difference is in those. They also have the same by Koyo for $54 (http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...894_0257762508).

Any experience with any of these?

surgeon0

NAPA brand (actual NAPA line axles are good).

Bearings for Toyota/Lexus/Honda, most preferred are Koyo/SKF/Timken/NSK. All these sometimes come in each other boxes. Last I got Timken for Honda, got NSK in box. Toyota Koyo box had Koyo bearing...

Have used Koyo bearings (Koyo is OEM) or Timken hub assemblies (where applicable) as replacement of OEM when Direct OEM bearings or assy becomes expensive.

Several have used Moog bearings/assy as they are good but not over the preferred. You get the idea.

You can get these on Amazon or ebay for slightly less. Sometimes if in rush or want to say local on the purchase of bearings/hub assys then Napa is a good option.

JCC511

Would you say there is a difference in new vs remanufactured? I am still trying to determine if I should just put a new boot on and repack or replace. Maybe I will have to take them off and look at them before making a decision about that. Obviously, repacking is a more cost effective option. I would think replacing the bearings would be okay and I would not have to replace the hub itself for any reason. I wish I could afford to do the struts at the same time. I thought I heard OEM are McPherson.