CV boot torn; Replace boot or get new CV axle?

I have a 2001 Tundra 4.7l V8 4X4 access cab with 215,000 miles.

It has the original CV axles. It is all stock and used as my daily driver.

While putting on brake pads today, I noticed the CV boot on the driver's side is torn.

Looking for advice on whether to just replace the boot or the entire axle assembly.

Rock Auto has a Cardone brand axle for about $55 shipped to my door.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

Those things are junk. If you want to swap the axle out, have the oem unit rebuilt by a reputable shop.

 

Bite the bullet and buy new OEM axles. You can buy some OEM Reman’d for around $600, but the brand new OEM ones cost about $800.

These cheap aftermarket made in China ones are junk. I just bought some less than 2 years ago and they are making a swirl/chirp noise. Got a great deal on them, though! Lesson learned.

 

Here's one for $400, but that's still a lot of money. I used to find used ones for $100 each, put a new outer boot on them and always have a trail spare.

 

Other than the torn boot, there are no current problems.

What about just keeping my original axle and getting a new boot and clean new grease?

 

You'll regret getting aftermarket axles. If it's just the torn boot you could always throw a new boot on.

 

I've done that as well. If my memory serves, the grease from the local auto part store was like $2 a packet. Then I just re-banded with stainless hose clamps. I never had a problem/failure.

 

CVJReman re-manufactures OE CVs, very popular with the Tacoma guys, theres a thread somewhere on Tacomaworld that if I remember correctly is well over 50 pages with little in the way of issues.

https://www.cvjreman.com/product-tag/9550/


I've also used Napa axles, if you use the HD axle its comes with TPR boots rather than a neoprene outer (avoid neoprene). Napa HDs are good too, Im sure someone will disagree, but I've had no issues with first hand experience.

You could also just reboot. The joints themselves are pretty robust, but if they're torn for a long period of time dirt can score and damage the inner joint and shaft. I'd recommend getting at least a OEM or CVJ reman and then reboot your old axle for a back up.

 

I agree with @Elduder that the joints are robust. I would take the low cost route to clean out any dirty grease, inspect, regrease, and reboot for now. Depending on how long the boot has been cracked, "maintenance by degrees" is probably a good plan here if you haven't noticed any noise or vibration. You will get some advance warning of CV joint failure. It is very unlikely to happen instantly and leave you stranded somewhere.

 

Seems like a lot of work to pack Grease and install a New Boot. Wouldn’t be the best route to just put in new axles (other than $800 cost for a pair) since doing all the work?

My boots were torn like the OP’s and I had no issues other than grease slings. There were no noises/clicks/vibes etc. I should have just left them on until they failed mechanically.

The other thing I forgot to mention is the OEM axles turn better than the cheapies when in 4WD conditions.

 

I gotta leaky boot as well, so when there is no grease slinging present then time for a replacement, as there may be not any more grease to sling.

 

In my case, I had no idea how long the boot was torn. I do know that the thing had thrown all the grease it could from the dry cakes on the frame. Axles still worked and no noises. I’d leave it until failure/noises/1full replacement time next time in my case in retrospect.

If you have the money and want to do them just buy brand new OEM. Better than Reman’d for only a little more money per the Reman websites own admission.

 

Are the CV axles are always rotating?

Even when not in 4WD?

 

Yes.

 

$50, a mess and afternoon of work is all that’s needed to replace the boot. Granted you have the tools and mechanical capability, boots are easy enough to replace (done 4 on tundras and 10 on 4runners). Otherwise I wouldn’t do aftermarket if possible (maybe Napa premium). They often have issues and seen too many rust right away and thin cheap boots.

 

Replace boot.

 

I vote rebuild if possible. Not that hard to do. Mine got water in them and were clicking and grinding. I bought some from advanced auto to replace both front shafts at different times. Have held up well, have thicker shafts than the stock (doesn't mean better) and has all stainless hardware. About $90 each. Also has the larger boots that are needed for lifted front ends. Bonus. Haven't noticed any difference in steering when in 4WD. Also lifetime warranty.

 

I was initially against a re-boot but after watching a video it really doesn't look that bad. Given how much better the OEM axles are than aftermarket I think it's worth trying a $30-50 boot repair vs spending nearly $1000 on new ones. If they are not clicking I doubt he's done damage yet.

 

Others have kinda said it, so I'll directly say it. Go find some dirt, put it in 4wd and turn and accelerate. If no clicky clicky, reboot. If clicky clicky, reaxle.

 

Now that's funny

 

Or just jack the front end up and turn the wheel by hand while someone turns the steering wheel lock to lock.

 

That won't work. The front axle has to be engaged for it to click. I have a bad one and it only does it in 4wd.

 

OP here.

I have decided to see what trouble I can get into doing it myself.

I ordered a set of OEM Toyota CV boots. The outer is torn but I might as well replace the inner while the axle is out. They were about $60 online with shipping.

They were just a little bit more than the universal CV boots available at the local auto parts stores. I thought it was worth it to get a good fit.

Never done this repair before.

Wish me luck!

 

Take pics! We like pics! And don’t mangle the job or we’ll never let you forget about it.

 

Inner CV I guess then? Had an outer failing on my driver side on a 2011 Fj, was able to catch the click with the front up and d.s. Wheel turned cab side.

 

Mines an outer. I may have to try that when it's off the ground again.

 

OP here following up.

I ordered OEM Toyota CV boots and checked three sources online to confirm I was buying the correct boots. They didn't fit once I had the axle out today. I went to the local auto store and purchased "universal fit" Dorman boots. I guess universal means the won't fit anything because they were no where close to working. I went back a second time and purchased a new aftermarket CV axle and it took all of 10 minutes to slide it in. I am never attempting to replace the boots again.

 

Dam, sorry to hear. Sounded like a good plan here, but reality is seldom that easy...glad you got it fixed.

 

Thanks.
Seldom do my vehicle adventures go smoothly.

 

Waxing, that has to be one of those thought, right?