LSmulling

Hi, I have a 2000 ES 300. Occasionally I hear a rotational noise coming from the front end, particularly on the driver's side. Today during highway driving I suddenly started hearing an additional noise: it was a loud sound with a slack quality, like a tire in the process of going flat. The tire looked fine. I took the car to the mechanic and he told me I need to have new front and rear axles. My 80-year old car enthusiast father told me that sounded extremely unlikely to him. Can anyone tell me how I would know I need new axles, and what a reasonable price would be for parts and labor in the Northeast US - he is quoting me in the $500 range. That is a lot of money to me, so any help would be most appreciated.

Slowguy

When I used to own a Honda it would click on hard turns. Honestly, you won’t know till you take a look literally. First see if there is any tears in the boots. Check inner and outer boots. If there’s a ton grease they’re ripped prob a good time to replace what ever axle it is. It is not too difficult, but you would need all those basics tools like ball joint separate (claw and fork), a breaker bar, mallet, simple tools and the axle bolt socket. But if you’re not car savvy just get it done professionally.

Slowguy

LSmulling

That's weird, he specifically said front and rear.

Slowguy

LSmulling

What DO I have back there then?

Slowguy

LSmulling

Oh, thank you, I am obviously totally out of my depth, and I'm sure the mechanic knows it. I have no idea whether to think he was being dishonest, or just assumed there was no point in explaining things to me in greater detail.

Slowguy

wmj259

This is what you should see when you look under your car.

You can get on the ground in the back and see if you see that. You likely won't. You will see them in the front however.
Like mentioned above, you just need basic tools.

Slowguy

LSmulling

Thank you, I appreciate the help.