Can I drive without my cv axles?

Hi I have a 2001 tundra 4.7 4wd. I am traveling broke down in a random town, my front differential is grinding and seizing, there's one pick n pull I hope will have a front differential for it, but if not has anyone ever driven without your cv axles? I was thinking to tape up with aluminum tape the opening to the wheel bearings, and as for the opening to the front differential bearings I don't care about its already destroyed.

 

I think you need the wheel hub portion of it to keep the bearings and stuff all together

 

You'd need at least the outer stubs from the CV axles to hold the wheel bearing together and remove the front driveshaft.

 

Pull the axles and front diff. Removing the front drive shaft from the transfer case to the front diff at the U-joints may work. Leaves the shaft end in the transfer case so fluid won't escape. Roll 2wd until the replacement can be sourced. I've not removed my front diff before, so not sure what that job looks like from a what needs to come out to remove it. I've replaced both front CV axles and that is a bit of a pain on it's own. Hope you have some shop access. We also need to hear the story of how you broke it, pictures of you landing the jump and a tape measure showing how deep the mud was. Thanks.

 

You cannot drive without the CV axles installed. The torque from the axle nut is designed to hold the wheel bearings together.

 

So now you're down to replacing the transfer case now, or separating both ends of the CV axle from the axle shaft. That way you can leave the outbound side bolted to the hub to hold your bearings together.

 

I can't really believe what I'm reading here. You are putting yourself and everyone around you at risk... You cant use speed tape to hold your truck together. Please don't be offended.

 

I don’t think anyone suggested anything that will endanger anyone. However, towing home with a uhaul may be a better option.

 

Not sure how far you've gone or if front diff was available at the junkyard.

Cut both outer cv boots off and remove both axle shaft centers & inner CV's. Keep outer CV's in the front hubs. Remove front driveshaft to keep diff from turning.

 

Just sawzall the center part of both cv shafts if ur just trying to get home at all costs. Quick and easy, leave everything in place. It would free up the issues of the seizing third front diff. Obviously youd have to replace them later though.

 

New CV’s cost $900 (Toyota). Might be less to rent a uhauls.

 

Believe the idea was to use the tape as a dust cover, not as a mechanical device. Cover the exposed bearing face to keep dust out. But we've since been informed that the CV axle hub to nut retainer holds the bearing assembly together or in place.

 

CVs at rock auto are $48 each. Seeing that its an older truck id personally opt for aftermarket if i had to replace them.

 

OP must have already been eaten by coyotes. Shame we couldn't save him sooner.....

 

OP might not be able to get a full OEM CV axle assembly new from Toyota without waiting as they are on back order right now as far as I can tell. Full OEM assemblies are also pricey. With that being said I wouldn't sawzall and destroy the shaft; if it can't be towed disconnect the shaft from the CV joints and leave the outers connected to the hubs.