It's time to change the Front cv axles on my 2007 gs350 awd with 200k. At least one side is missing the outer boot clamp and i get a crunch/pop when turning hard or accelerating hard.
I really want to avoid paying 800dollars per axle and the labor cost to do the job. Rockauto has reman cardone or trackmotive axles for less than 100 per side. Any other reasonably priced options out there? It doesn't have to last as long as oem. Planning to keep the car to 250-300k miles.

 

I replaced my cv axle with a reman cardone from rockauto, excellent and its been on there several years now.

I would avoid replacing the long cv axle im not sure if its driver or passenger side. But theres a short side and a long side, the long axle side are a pain in the butt to remove, they get super stuck. Guys have built jigs just to remove them.

 

unfortunately i believe it's the passanger(longer) side that's the culprit. Debating wether to take it to a shop or attempt myself.

 

Save yourself the headache and take it to a shop, its a nightmare! Or have them replace the cv boot and repack the joints on the car, using a cv axle boot spreader.

 

I'm assuming the repacking method wouldn't save a joint that's already bad/making noise?

 

Correct, if its making noises then it needs to be replaced.

 

Did you have any issue with the ABS sensor ring on an after market CV axle?
My driver side inner CV boot is finally torn after leaking for 2 years.

 

What brand of cv axle did you run? Ive run cordone from rockauto with no issues

 

I am going to have it replaced tomorrow at the shop. I forgot to ask. I will know tomorrow.
Not sure if I want to replace the passenger side also.

 

Toyota replaced my front axles. The parts are NCV. They had a hard time replacing the passenger side. Just like you said. They also said the front bearings start making noise. Will probably need to replace soon.