Anyone have any issues why a newly replaced front drive axle boot would be wearing to the point where it was posted out at todays inspection? I had the front drive axle replaced in 6/2021 bc the axle boot tore and had no grease. The independent I took it to replaced the front drive axle which took care of the issue. I was having issues getting scheduled at the shop so I took it to an alternate independent and today he tells me the tech made a notation that the front drove axle boots are wearing and should be considered for replacement in the near future. When I looked up the lifespan of axle boots everything I’ve read days they should last atleast 60-80k miles. Mileage between replacement and now is roughly 15k miles. I don’t drive off road and vehicle isn’t driven hard. Could this just be faulty materials or am I now going to have to pay particular attention to drive axle boots every two years? Of course the original shops warranty is 12k or 1 year, both which I am beyond. I can’t ask does this happen because it just did but is this something that is typical?

 

Did you replace with OEM, or aftermarket, and if aftermarket what brand? Not all parts are created equal of course.

Also, are you sure it's the same side? I'm assuming you only replaced one of the front CV shafts back in 2021? Is it possible it's the other that's failed now?

 

I have had both axles replaced with remanufactured axles on 2 GX’s at 90K. the first replacement was still fine after 40,000 when I sold it.

 

I’m pretty sure the shop installed aftermarket parts and the replacement was both sides. I know sometimes aftermarket can be comparable to OEM and while I was hoping I don’t think that was the case this time.
The shop doing the work now gave me the option of Lexus or aftermarket. Unbelievably there was a $250 cost difference per side, ouch. They do a lot of custom work as far as engine and suspension tuning so I’m hoping that their sources are a lot more reliable than the original shop.

 

I used aftermarket Carhartt axels/boots and one side started degrading after 50K miles but I think that was because ATF fluid from a slowly leaking steering pump hose was getting drips on the boot and degrading it. The other side is still fine.