Torn CV boots.... is replaceing the half shaft less work and better?

[ninja92]

Long story short, my cv boots in front are busted. Its a 97 2.2L with 205K

We tried to replace the cv boot with that POS quick boot, but that is more like a bandaid in my opinion. Now when I turn the car makes wierd clicking noises when turning more than about 30 degrees.

I read that it is easier and cheaper to just replace the whole CV half shaft as it already comes with boots.

At autozone they cost like 70-ish. (would be replacing both sides)

Is this worth it, or just take it to the mechanic? Me and my dad both work, so its a question is it worth going to work or doing this your self.



I also have that clunking noise ppl are complaining about and that will be looked at later. When I put in a new RSB.

Thanks!!!

[Nervous]

I'd replace whole shaft, much easier. However, I am skeptical about AutoZone's rebuilt shafts; instead, I would go for Napa NEW shafts, it is about $100. I did this about 30K miles ago and so far so good.

[ninja92]

Sweet thanks for the quick reply. So if I replace the whole shaft that will cover the CV boot problem right? And its basically replace and pop in the new one right?

Found this idk if its the right thing. I know a bit about cars and stuff but not all the details

The one i posted is for the V6 I'll get the 2.2 one. just wanna know if thats the whole thing to replace

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...+59999+2999999

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by Nervous

I'd replace whole shaft, much easier. However, I am skeptical about AutoZone's rebuilt shafts; instead, I would go for Napa NEW shafts, it is about $100. I did this about 30K miles ago and so far so good.

NAPA "new" shafts are just "Cardone Select" (made in China) thrown in a NAPA box. Crapshoot either way, IMHO.

[Nervous]

Sure? Dunno, had no problems with it and it really looked new. Not sure the domestic rebuild from AutoZone is better, btw.

[ninja92]

lol

well its not going to get a punishment on the track or anything.

its my daily driver and i try to avoid chicago potholes and such.

Just want to get my car fixed before something small like this grows into a bigger problem.

well i'll talk to my dad, we're supposed to fix this saturday, so most likely I'll be replacing the shaft.

Thanks guys!

[Nervous]

If this is really Cardone Select, then I just would recommend to purchase it not from NAPA but from rockauto.com. Twice cheaper ($50, but + shipping.... but - tax!). They have a 5% off offer right now, just use the code 27249372253617 (expire on March 28, 2010). Simply enter your code in the "How did you hear about us" line of the shopping cart.

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by Nervous

If this is really A1 Cardone Select, then I just would recommend to purchase it not from NAPA but from rockauto.com. Twice cheaper ($50, but + shipping.... but - tax!). They have a 5% off offer right now, just use the code 27249372253617 (expire on March 28, 2010). Simply enter your code in the "How did you hear about us" line of the shopping cart.

No such thing as "A1 Cardone Select". "A1 Cardone" is their remanufactured line; "Cardone Select" is their "new" line.

[Nervous]

Correct, fixed.

[Tom 2000]

I've replaced several CV axles on various cars over the years with new and rebuilt.

With a rebuilt axle, the gamble you're taking is that the core is of various quality. If the rebuilder started wih a core that was only slightly worn and rebuilt, you're probably just fine. If the rebuilder started with a core that was from a car that was driven hard and the borderline rebuildable, then you're probably taking a gamble.

Problem is that you really don't know at the at the parts store what the original core was like to start with.

If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, I would get new CV halfshafts, but I've bought rebuilt CV halfshafts for my Camry and it worked just fine for many years too.

Take a look at this link and it will tell you a bit about remanufacturing CV joints.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/cvgrind.htm

[ninja92]

Awesome thanks guys!

Yes I am planning on keeping it for the next 4 years (through college)and I think I'll get the new ones. Remanufacured is a gamble like tom2000 said, b/c idk how the core was driven. If I could remanufacture my core I would trust it. lol

how long would standard shipping take from rock auto?

[Nervous]

Depends there are you located and from which warehouse they ship. They use UPS (or FedEx? don't remember) Ground and for me it was very fast when I ordered rack & pinion from them (shipped from NY to MD). About 1-2 days.

[ninja92]

So out of curiousity I called the Toyota dealer for prices and they told me that for both sides I was looking at 540 then I would get 150 back for the cores (just parts). lol a bit on the expensive side.......


anywho I looked through posts about this problem and now I am leaning for the new ones, but I heard they rust a bit.

Would i be able to clean teh metal parts with acetone and then spray paint the metal with a high temprature paint to help protect it? or is that a waste of time? I got the paint at home

[Nervous]

They rust but it doesn't really matter (besides cosmetic part). And yes, you can paint them using sprays like Rustoleum. You don't really need high temp paint, I guess. I wouldn't worry.

[ninja92]

oh ok

I guess i will. doesn't seem like alot of work to do a quick spray.

I'll give an update when I put them in. Thank for the info and helping make a decision.