Where to get a decent set of rebuilt axles nowadays?

[blueapple]

I bought a set of Autozone axles for my 96 camry. And this weekend, I finally took the old ones off. While preparing to install the new ones, I noticed that, one of them had play in both joints. I took it back and had it replaced, then later during installation, I noticed that the other one has slight play in the inboard. According to Toyota manual, the inboard is allow to have "insignificant play", but the truth is, my 140k axles don't even have any play at the inboard joints, the only reason I'm replacing them is because the outer boots cracked and caused the outboard ones to wear out.

Now, should I try a different part store? Back in California, I used to buy Beck/Arnley from Kragen, they seem to be out of business. I live in Houston area now, and I have local access to Autozone and Advanced Auto, maybe O'Reily. They don't seem to sell brand axles anymore, instead they offer their own names on the axles.

Any suggestions? They sure are cheaper, years ago they were 200 total, now they are 59 each, but I don't want to redo the labor 6k miles down the road.

[xtremeskier97]

You can get Beck Arnley from Advanced auto..its just they more than likely will have to order it.

[Deadly Sushi]

Save your money!!!!! Just put on new boots and toss in new grease!

[BMR]

Yeah, I had to replace the right side shaft twice on my Camry when I unknowingly put in rebuilt Cardone units. The first two made clicking noises immediately after installing them. The first one had a pretty bad vibration, and the second one made AWFUL grinding noises. The Carquest store gave me a new (not rebuilt) Cardone axle under warranty for the third replacement. It's been good so far.

I'd say just stay away from rebuilt units altogether. With the Cardone parts, new is only ~$20 more than rebuilt.

[jmborchers]

For long lasting parts I use NEW dealer parts only. It's the only way to get the same amt of mileage on the same part.

Autostore parts in general are Asian junk IMHO.

[Deadly Sushi]

Originally Posted by jmborchers

For long lasting parts I use NEW dealer parts only. It's the only way to get the same amt of mileage on the same part.

Autostore parts in general are Asian junk IMHO.

Make sure you get the OEM stuff AWAY from the dealership. In my opinion anyone that buys anything from the dealership that you can get elsewhere has far too much money OR doesnt know they are getting ripped off.

What I would do is just repack what you have with new rubber sleves. Sounds like all you need is to repack em. Save your money!

[blueapple]

Repack won't do this time, the outer joints already have significant play. But thanks for all the info. I will check how much does the OEM cost.

[JohnGD]

Sounds like poorly rebuilt axles. Have you considered Cardone Select new axles (aftermarket, lifetime warranty) instead of rebuilt OEM ones?

But A1 Cardone's rebuilts are supposed to be pretty good, but only carries a 1 year warranty.

Local parts stores, including NAPA. Should not be more than $80-90 each IIRC.

[blueapple]

Anyone used O'Reilly Select Pro ( something like that ) new axles? Care to share some experience?