Just a tale of woe...
Weather good enough here in the northeast that I was able to finally get my new to me 09 up in the air to check control arms, etc. Found that my left front axle(AWD) inner boot was torn. Getting tired of doing work on these myself, went to the local Toyota dealership to inquire about having them do it. He said no problem, let me get some prices. .......$1700 for a new one from Lexus! I politely let him know I would be in touch and walked away. I guess I will be tearing this apart and will probably just take the joint apart and replace both boots. It was not throwing grease, so I should be fine. Either way, a new one if necessary is $200 at most!
Guess I am not done getting my hands dirty....

 

I had the same issue with my 2013 LS460L. I replaced the boot. There is no after market awd front axle that I'm aware of

 

Cape600... well thanks for posting. I'm sure you will learn a few things and help make all of us AWD ppl a little more comfortable in making repairs. ...Arnie

 

A new pair of front axles is $155:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...n,cv+axle,2288

 

Wow - those must have just come on the market and fit down to my 09 - what a deal!

 

GSP does not seem to be trustworthy according to a brief online search.

 

I will try to do a video/write up of the process. Have never done one of those, so we will see! Have replaced quite a few BMW X5 axles, so the procedure looks similar. Boots have been ordered and on their way.

 

agreed, for the work you have to go through, I want the proper/dependable ones. Hoping the ones on my car are factory and the joints are in good condition and boot replacement will get me another 50-100K miles.

 

Update-Finally time to get car up in the air. Bought 2 new boots and was going to go that direction. Have had an ongoing vibration on acceleration that is driving me crazy. Was ready to dig into the axle replacement today and for giggles grabbed it to see if there was any play....it's all over the place! Not sure if this is my vibration issue, but either way, it needs to be replaced. Not going with the generic/cheap axles. Looking at used OEM ones on $%ay. $3-600. Going to go that route. Will return upon installation/repair!