CV Joint Replacement Decision

My 2002 with almost 230,000 miles is leaking grease out of the CV boots. It's been leaking a little for about 2 years at the edges by the clamps but the boots aren't torn and it is not leaking much so I have just been keeping an eye on it.

In the past when they have leaked the dealer has recommended replacing the boots. I have read that the original CV joints are often better than aftermarket ones. This time the dealer is recommending that I just replace the joints.

The dealer mentioned that aftermarket CV joints are cheaper than Toyota but the service person said that the toyota CV joints for my truck were not a whole lot more expensive than aftermarket. The dealer quoted me $507.50 per side for supposedly toyota CV joints.

I called a local shop that I sometimes use and got a quote from them. They told me that the toyota CV joints are $1300 just for the parts and $1504 for both installed. They also priced aftermarket ones that would be $451 for both installed. I asked what aftermarket brand they use and they said it would be the Auto Plus store brand. They acknowledges that the toyota part may be better but not that much better.

Should I go with the aftermarket CV joints? If I decide that I want Toyota joints the dealer sounds cheaper but I'm not 100% confident that the dealer will actually install Toyota CV joints. Is there anyway to be sure? Is there a part number or manufacturer I can confirm to know it is OEM?

 

I’d jump all over that Toyota Stealer Deal *if* the parts and labor are both $507 per side.

I can buy the CV Axle brand new from Toyota for about $470 less tax and then have to put it in myself.

Had my front end rebuild a few years ago and while the front was apart they suggested new axles for $300 for both installed due to them already having the suspension apart. They were Import Direct which are ok. They are slightly smaller in diameter and the boots suck. They are still holding grease but in the end wish I had bought new Toy ones. Was caught off guard.

Some here have rebuilt theirs with short term success. Time will tell. Others paid just a little less for some Reman’d Toyotas that cost almost as much as Brand New OEM Toys. The remanufacture even says that Toyota New is best yet some still buy these Remans and may recco them. Your call.

Me? Brand New Toy for a little more for Super High Quality. Second option is rebuild myself for about under $200.

 

The dealer did quote me $507 per side installed. I guess I would just need to clarify that they would install 'Toyota' CV joints? Are they actually manufactured by Toyota? Just confirm they are installing 'Toyota' axles?

 

Yes. Confirm Toyota Brand New OEM Axle.

Heck of a deal on that unless they come at you on the extra front end work that probably is lingering if you’ve not done anything to her since new.

 

I found Toyota CV axles P/N 43430-0C010 as low as $444 USD on a quick google search. $507 installed per side is a reasonable deal, IF those are OEM parts.

 

Unless you want to search ebay for some used ones and learn to take them apart and regrease and reboot them..I don't advise taking a cv apart unless you like putting gouges in your garage floor, swearing, getting extremely messy, and likely doing the job more than once because the boot clamps are more of an art than a science.

Or maybe you find some decent ones on ebay that you can run as is? I wanna say I spent maybe $70 each for mine.

 

I have a Lexus GX470 as a daily (4Runner/FJ cruiser drivetrain) and I replaced my axles with CVJ axles myself. I have had good luck with them so far.

Reputable company that gives you a core charge back if you have OEM CV’s in there now.

https://www.cvjreman.com/toyota-trucks-products/