Hey all, the CV boot on my car ripped. Do I need to replace the entire axle? If so, is there a write up and any suggestions on how to do this? I have a 1996 ES300. Pics of the axle included. Thank you

ya...u need to replace that axle asap.
it's not too hard if it's on the driver side.
passenger side is a bit harder. u need some power tools for the job though, axle nut and the small hex bolts on the axle joint are pretty tight.

Thank you. I have the Camry repair manual. Looks pretty easy. Should I do the wheel bearings etc while I have it all apart?

nope, to replace a wheel bearing u need a 10 ton press and take the spindle off.
and our cars are not known to have bad bearings. they last quite a long time.

The axles on these cars are a two piece affair, so replacing them is very straightforward.

perfect. Thank you so much. I love these forums

I recommend replacing the axle as well. Just so you know, you can replace the rubber boot and repack the joint with grease, but the amount of work that it will take is not worth it.

I agree... Axle is the way to go. Next question, as far as replacements go, what would you recommend? Use off of a salvaged car, or new? And if new, where should I buy a new one at?

new axles are not that expensive. can be had around $100

I guess what I am asking is does it need to be OEM, or will an after market axle do?

basically all the ones available at affordable prices are aftermarket
no point to get oem

Perfect. Especially since I will be selling the car in January. Thank you EEngineer. Your help has been greatly appreciated!

CV axles used to be pretty expensive but as of recently they are around $100 because they're being remaunfactured in China. Since tearing the boots on the original axles I've gone through two sets of axles in three years because of the junk that's floating around. So this is just an FYI that you may have a clunking axle in a year or two without the boot even being torn.

EMPI makes a quality axle I've had good luck with them. The last Cardone unit I put in looked a little rough, parts of the axle had rust on it and did not look new at all. It worked fine, but I avoid Cardone after I had some rebuilt calipers that they forgot to put grease on the slide pins.

I will be buying a CV axle for my 3ES and it's only $150 from Sewell. I see no reason to go aftermarket just to save $50. I rather put that difference towards the piece of mind that there will be no issues afterwards.