CV joint rebuild -VS- Axle replacement = Advantage ?

[Sturdavj]

1990 Camry LE 4cyl/automatic

What do you feel are the advantages & benefit of replacement over rebuild, or vice versa?

[karbonfyber]

I just replaced the axle, either way I was taking it apart and it just seemed better idea to replace than rebuild, less labor and price difference wasn't too bad. Plus my axles are 22 years old and rusty. Not sure about yours, my car was in ohio for first 10 years of its life. (salt/snow)

[scarney1988]

depending on tool set, you could do either. I would recommend replacing the entire thing either way with a quality aftermarket replacement. It will go much quicker. Rebuilding requires some snap ring pliers and things like that. Its getting into some cold weather, help you help yourself and body and just replace the axle. Plus they generally come with a warranty. Just my $.02.

Good luck.
Sean

['88 All-Trac]

I helped my brother do CVs on his '94 Celica, took maybe two hours to do both sides.

Rebuilt a CV on my '92 Geo Tracker. Took twenty minutes to pull the CV and three hours to rebuild it. I promptly put a straight axle under it.

Replace the CV. As you hit bumps, the CVs reshape themselves even if only on a microscopic level.

[Sturdavj]

A Geo Tracker with a straight axle under it, I'd like to see that Bad Boy'

Is the quality there in after market replacement axle?

['88 All-Trac]

Depends on the brand, but even the off-brand CV shafts are pretty tough.


I threw a Suzuki Samurai front end under my Geo... I can pm you a pic, if you'd like.

[scarney1988]

If you are that worried about it, get a price from the toyota parts dealer on here. I think he is from newman toyota. Replace it with a factory halfshaft. It will be exspensive, but if it is worth it to you thats all that matters. I personally would recommend an aftermarket just on account of price. Dont forget to get new axle seals for your transmission. You should replace them aswell.

[Sturdavj]

Thanks for the input. Scarney I will be sure to get the seals, can you think of anything else I need to pick up?

My concern is not so much about the cost as it is the quality. I don’t want to have to repeat my labor

I am not going to say that price is not a factor, but with all the work that lay’s before me in bringing this project to where I hope to end up, I want/need to know two things;

(1) Does it pay to go with the lower priced component, with each situation.

(2) What have others experienced and would they repeat the same choices

I have been on enough forums in years past that I can smell out experience, and there are some sharp Technicians on this Camry Forum, I can tell you up-front that I plan to use the advice to my advantage

[scarney1988]

1)It is all up to your personal preference and experience. Axles, I would recommend OEM, rockauto.com, or a local non-chain parts house. For the seals OEM, Timken, or anything really. good luck