Cv axle boot replacement
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,595
Likes: 1,400
From: Austin, TX
Lexus/Toyota sells repair kit. I have used them with good results. But one has to remove the shaft to slip it on. Check the DIY thread. If you do take it out, exercise care as cv joint can come apart.
I would also give it proper consideration to repair vs replace. If the boot has been ripped for a while, I would lean towards replacement. Once the grease has been flung out moisture and grime works its way in and based on subjected stress, the joint can be worn out very quickly.
Just in case you chose to replace, I have no suggestion to offer. Other members can share their experience or satisfaction level with an after-market part. OEM are going to be expensive and may not make financial sense.
One more thing from my personal experience, plan on doing both sides. My other side boot ripped with 6 months from the first [do the repair/swap in pair .. that makes the OEM choice twice as expensive].
Salim
I would also give it proper consideration to repair vs replace. If the boot has been ripped for a while, I would lean towards replacement. Once the grease has been flung out moisture and grime works its way in and based on subjected stress, the joint can be worn out very quickly.
Just in case you chose to replace, I have no suggestion to offer. Other members can share their experience or satisfaction level with an after-market part. OEM are going to be expensive and may not make financial sense.
One more thing from my personal experience, plan on doing both sides. My other side boot ripped with 6 months from the first [do the repair/swap in pair .. that makes the OEM choice twice as expensive].
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: GA
Lexus/Toyota sells repair kit. I have used them with good results. But one has to remove the shaft to slip it on. Check the DIY thread. If you do take it out, exercise care as cv joint can come apart.
I would also give it proper consideration to repair vs replace. If the boot has been ripped for a while, I would lean towards replacement. Once the grease has been flung out moisture and grime works its way in and based on subjected stress, the joint can be worn out very quickly.
Just in case you chose to replace, I have no suggestion to offer. Other members can share their experience or satisfaction level with an after-market part. OEM are going to be expensive and may not make financial sense.
One more thing from my personal experience, plan on doing both sides. My other side boot ripped with 6 months from the first [do the repair/swap in pair .. that makes the OEM choice twice as expensive].
Salim
I would also give it proper consideration to repair vs replace. If the boot has been ripped for a while, I would lean towards replacement. Once the grease has been flung out moisture and grime works its way in and based on subjected stress, the joint can be worn out very quickly.
Just in case you chose to replace, I have no suggestion to offer. Other members can share their experience or satisfaction level with an after-market part. OEM are going to be expensive and may not make financial sense.
One more thing from my personal experience, plan on doing both sides. My other side boot ripped with 6 months from the first [do the repair/swap in pair .. that makes the OEM choice twice as expensive].
Salim
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,595
Likes: 1,400
From: Austin, TX
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 920
From: wa
That may not be the right one for your car, check application. I think that’s the broadly universal and correct one, though.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: GA
I have used this Bailcast unit with good results so far; have not put many miles on it, but it’s worked as advertised so far.
https://www.amazon.com/Bailcast-CVS1...35178138&psc=1
That may not be the right one for your car, check application. I think that’s the broadly universal and correct one, though.
https://www.amazon.com/Bailcast-CVS1...35178138&psc=1
That may not be the right one for your car, check application. I think that’s the broadly universal and correct one, though.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: GA
after a lot of scrolling i found the cv axle thread and the guy says you need to drain the trans fluid. Is that really necessary? I saw a video of a guy do it on a es300 and all he did was disconnect the hub from the strut and disconnect the abs sensor. Also whats a good cv axle grease to use?
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 920
From: wa
after a lot of scrolling i found the cv axle thread and the guy says you need to drain the trans fluid. Is that really necessary? I saw a video of a guy do it on a es300 and all he did was disconnect the hub from the strut and disconnect the abs sensor. Also whats a good cv axle grease to use?
Any mechanic’s grease is fine to use, This NAPA 1lb tub is on sale this month. I believe it’s the same as Valvoline; they make many of NAPAs house brand oils and petroleum products. Valvoline is also common in stores, blue tub or red high-temp tub.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOL7...nid=6478876245
Last edited by Oro; Jun 1, 2025 at 07:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: GA
You might get a little atf spill out of the transaxle, but it should be minimal and not matter, or check the fill afterwards if it’s more than that. If you just lift one side and have it tilting away from you, it probably will not leak out. I believe a little comes out if the car is level and the axle pulled.
Any mechanic’s grease is fine to use, This NAPA 1lb tub is on sale this month. I believe it’s the same as Valvoline; they make many of NAPAs house brand oils and petroleum products. Valvoline is also common in stores, blue tub or red high-temp tub.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOL7...nid=6478876245
Any mechanic’s grease is fine to use, This NAPA 1lb tub is on sale this month. I believe it’s the same as Valvoline; they make many of NAPAs house brand oils and petroleum products. Valvoline is also common in stores, blue tub or red high-temp tub.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOL7...nid=6478876245
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: GA
Quick little update I got the Napa grease yesterday and added some to the joint, it turns out my boot is still intact it just has a crack and it can open. When I get to replacing the whole cv axle do you have to torque the hex bolts that hold in the inner axle joint? If so is there any torque specs on it and is there a seal that you have to replace?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
From: GA
yeah I think it’s like 8 of them that hold the axle in place and mines is a 2 wheel drive. Good to know they don’t have to be torqued because they’re in a tight spot
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,595
Likes: 1,400
From: Austin, TX
Quick little update I got the Napa grease yesterday and added some to the joint, it turns out my boot is still intact it just has a crack and it can open. When I get to replacing the whole cv axle do you have to torque the hex bolts that hold in the inner axle joint? If so is there any torque specs on it and is there a seal that you have to replace?
A rip in the boot ignored for few days can end up loosing lot of grease. The centrifugal force of the spinning shaft slings most of the grease out.
Salim