Checked with the local dealer this morning and the parts dept had no idea when they would have CV joints in stock. So,.....I have been researching after market cv joint boots,....seems like many are supplied by "Empi" and several people have mentioned that they are not a durable cv joint boot,....often failing not long after installation.

So,....what have others used and how durable have they been.

Brian in Austin

 

They all use the same inferior rubber. There are OE boot kits on Ebay but pricey.

 

A few data points that *might* help:

I looked at a few places and the raw choices were mediocre; either Mevotech (no) or Beck/Arnley.

The Rx330 I purchased not long ago had GKN axles in it - I noted that on my pre-purchase inspection and one of the reasons I bought it (the whole suspension front and rear had been rebuilt with GKN and other OE quality components). GKN is an OE maker for Volvo, BMW, Audi, etc. I just bought some very robust GKN CV boots for a re-boot on a P2 Volvo in fact. So I know GKN makes axles/boots for Lexus cars as aftermarket it not OE.

Mevotech is kind of a no-go, but given choices I would take a Beck/Arnley if I had to. They have been around since FOREVER and always promised OE quality. I have always got that from them (fingers crossed; things change). If I were in your shoes I’d order B/A and it should work out OK, may in fact be GKN.

As another data point, the GKN boots I ordered for the Volvo (again, OE) were $10 each so it’s not unreasonable the B/A boxed parts at that price I see are good or at least acceptable quality.

I’d buy the B/A boots and not worry too much about it. Best case, they are GKN or similar. Worst case, they WILL work.

Biggest issue with this job is lubing properly and clamping/sealing the boots correctly. Oh, AND:

Order the inner transaxle seal. It is usually damaged upon axle removal. It is not worth trying to save $10 on that. I’ve had to go back in and pull 1/2 shafts and replace that seal TWICE a month or less after an axle/CV boot job when the prior mechanic did not bother to do so. It’s like doing a timing belt job and being too cheap to change the water pump. You might get away with it, but very good chance you will not and you look like a chump.