DriverDad

We have a 2007 RX 350 with 135,000 or so miles on it. The passenger side CV boot is "slinging grease." I can replace the entire axle with an aftermarket part (which includes that CV boot_ for 275.50 - parts and labor. The dealership and a local shop that specializes in Lexus parts recommend not doing that, and instead, have them repair the cv boot for 395 or so. They say the Lexus axel is better than the aftermarket one and the lexus dealership saying they hardly ever have to replace. So I'm curious if you guys suggest:

1. Replacing the axle with an aftermarket part for 275.50 ...or,

2. Keeping my Lexus axle and have them repair the cv boot for 395 or so (a little more than 100 dollars more than an entire aftermarket axle?)

At this point, I'm leaning to keeping my Lexus axle and having them repair the CV Boot, but open to suggestions / advice.

Thanks!

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

I would also side with the two of replacing the boot. Aftermarkets don't come close in this specific part, not sure why. Even on the Toyota side people have had issues with aftermarket axles. Unless you can confirm your axle is bad, no need to swap it. And if you need to swap it, OEM only which will cost you a very very pretty penny.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

On the flip side is this. If it's a new aftermarket axle (unlikely) then, ya. Clean, grease, and reboot the one you have.

If its a reman, its likely a Toyota/Lexus axle with new boots. Do some digging on the supplier and find out if its reman (meets OEM specs) or rebuilt which may be a bit more risky as not all specs are checked and it could be a combination of lexus and aftermarket hard parts... Which I would stay away from.

DriverDad

Decided to authorize the cv boot repair. Cost a little less than 400 dollars.

On a side note, I was told someone at the shop has a rx350 (I believe) with 500,000 miles on it!

SkiMe

Yea, I'd recommend repairing boot too. There are kits that can fix it, but you have to find the right one. I tired one from Oreilly's but I didn't like it and it didn't hold too well.

Long story short, yes there is a difference from OEM to Aftermarket ones. OEM are thicker in diameter, but are very costly!!

Here is some good reading with pictures of the axle shafts, that ultimately ended up being defective. Quite the fun process I went through!!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...bearing-3.html

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Just went through this on my GS, it was $175 to replace the boot and $300 to replace with an aftermarket axle. Really comes doesn’t o how bad/long the leak is. For me it was relatively recently so I just did a reboot. Additionally if it’s on the passenger side, taking the axle out may be a pain with the idler/carrier bearing with the axle being seized in there

DennisMik

I find this price amazing. Both options require removal & replacement of the axle, so labor charge-wise that is a wash.
A boot kit is $10 to $15, a rebuilt axle is $75 or so (depending on where they buy it) plus the shop's mark-up.
Extra labor charge for replacing the boot. A half hour is all that is needed.

The price of the boot and the labor for replacing the boot should be less than the price of a replacement axle, making the total cost of the boot replacement option less than axle replacement.

iMSQ

Boot