While getting an oil change they noticed that the cv boot was cracked and grease was showing on the frame. Can I replace just the boots or should I replace the axle as well. There is no sound coming from the joint.

 

Option 3, ignore it? In FL like driving in a showroom?

 

If the CV joint is still good, meaning that dirt and stuff hasn't gotten in and ruined it, then you can replace the boot. A kit with the boot, bands and grease are around $15. To do the job totally correct, you have to remove the axle from the car. Then you separate the cv joint, wash out the old grease and dirt and then re-grease and put the boot on. This is actually more work than replacing the axle, but it is a lot less money.

Some people have found a boot that can be slipped over the axle without disassembly, but A-they are hard to find and B- they usually don't last very long.

 

Unless you are really good with hands and tools, to do what Dennis^^^^^ mentions, you replace the axleshaft. Glue together boot is cheap alternative but after I attempted 2, I said never again in my life. Axleshafts are cheap and not that hard to replace.

 

Oh, do what I did for several years. Wrap plastic bag over the boot, tape in place, and keep driving. Redo bag once a year. Whatever keeps dirt from getting inside the CV joint.

 

Had the truck in to the Toyota dealer for what I thought was a pretty typical inspection…did not anticipate any issues as she has been running fine.
got a call a few hours later indicating the front inner axle boots are either torn or have leaked the grease on the underside of the truck. Service advisor gave me two options, both expensive. Either rebuild (replace boots and repack) for $1100-$1200 or replace front axle for $570.10 apiece and a grand total of $1600…OUCH!! No clicking and she drives fine. Serviced every 5k like clockwork. Vehicle was last in to same dealership in January for service and no mention of inner boot issues so I’m trying to decide why the recommendation to replace rather than repack. Called my go to independent and he suggested replace as well. Could this be for the minimal cost different between the two? I guess for $400 difference and brand new parts replace might be the better option? Dealer also mentioned rack was moist. Said it wasn’t leaking but indicated they had to let me know. He suggested some minor seepage and when o asked the cost of repair he quoted somewhere in the neighborhood of $3500 for new rack and pinion installed. Googled the repair and checked other forums and some posters are quoting about $1200 for the job. Is Toyota service advisor FOS?

 

Few months ago i replaced one of my rack boots it was torn, i could see where the p/s oil leaked out lover time..looked like oil got into the boot and when it cracked open oil ran out, thats what it looked like when the PO had the rx.... i decided to replace the P/S oil sucking it out the reservoir with turkey baster .. went through two quarts over a few weeks.... then i put Lucas power steering stop leak in the empty reservoir..... no leaks or oil getting low... as far as the cv boot i have done many, just replacing the boot if it dont click just takes about an hour.... if you have the right tools

 

Just got back from the Toyota dealer and read their report. They wrote the PS leak was seepage at the rack. Not a major issue as indicated for the drive axles but one I definitely will have an independent look into. If there is seepage at the rack does that mean the entire rack should be replaced or are there rubber boots that can be repaired as with the drive axle? I’m hoping this isn’t a huge PIA bc I really like the vehicle. She’s got 168k and I’m more than willing to deal with the drive axle replacement. Igbo have to shell out $3500 for the rack and pinion then I just may need to rethink things a bit.

 

Well you can spend about ten bucks on the Lucas product or get a new rack

 

1. Do you want OEM or after-market axle?
2. Labor for axle replacement can be almost the same as for boot replacement.
3. This type of work can be done by any reliable shop (you don't need to go to a dealer). It's also applicable for DIY...

 

A shop makes more money selling you an axle for $150+ then they make selling you a new boot for $15. But depending on the condition of the axle joint itself, a new axle just might be the correct thing to do.