88 Camry fwd 5sp axle questions

[tom42nm]

88 fwd Camry wagon, 5 speed, 4 cyl, Japan made, 6 bolt two piece drive axles, 180K.
After pushing passenger side axle into diff, rebolting the carrier bearing (bolts came out and the axle slid out enough that there was no contact in the diff), adding tranny fluid car seems fine.
But have torn cv boot on driver side (no idea how long, just got the car).
QUESTIONS:
1. Should there be a clip on the axle on one side of the bearing (this the shaft into the diff)?
2. I need to get the exact axle(s) for 88 camry fwd manual Japan made car?
3. Replacing half shafts is easier and not that much more $$ than replacing cv boots?
4. Is there anywhere to get an online manual (searching I note that all the old threads are defunct for online manuals?
Tom

[Tatohead]

Great questions. When I replaced the axles on my 5-speed sedan, the parts stores listed separate part #s for Japan/NA built, etc.

I had the luxury of having the parts off the vehicle and they brought out the new parts for a heads-up comparison. I only purchased when I validated that the new part was the correct replacement.

I also agree that replacing the entire axle is, in the long run, much easier than just the boot. Warning: you'll drain all the ATF again.

Good luck!

[tom42nm]

Looks like I.m doing the boots on the driver side as no one has the half axle for 88 camry fwd manual 4 cyl Japan driver side.
Cardone online catalog says RR at this time with no model number.

Passenger side is available.
Strange?
Found the clip next to the bearing.
Still looking for the driver side axle,
Tom

[tom42nm]

Dealer Direct
255 for oem.
Even has the right number!
Replacing just the boots looks a little more doable suddenly.
Tomk

[white90dx]

You should be able to get a complete replacement (remanufactured, lifetime warranty) for under $100 for either side. Don't get a new one at the dealer!

For the driver's side, all you need is any FWD 4-cyiinder manual axle ('87-'91). Yes, there are different versions, but the geometry and the splines, etc. are the same between all versions and they can be swapped.

For the passenger side, it is similar - you can do a complete replacement with a different style as long as it is for a FWD 5-speed.

For reference, my '90 Japan build 5-speed and my '90 US built 5-speed both had the same style axles.

For the carrier bearing behind the motor, there should be a c-clip that holds the axle into the transmission, along with a bolt with a rubber nub on the end that keeps the outer bearing race from spinning. (you can replace the rubber nub that is probably gone with a very short piece of vacuum tube or whatever)

-Charlie