CV Boot Split

Good morning, I had my drivers side inner boot split and sling the grease out. I don't hear any noise when turning, should I replace the boot or the whole CV?

 

The OEM axle is about the best axle out there. That said, I typically replace the axle, as it’s “easier”. (For me)
NAPA HD series is pretty decent for the price.

A boot is cheaper. And you’ll have a “better” axle. But I’m more about convenience and time. I don’t wheel my truck or beat on it. NAPA it would be for me.

 

Agree.

It's up to you.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the replies.

 

@TnShooter @Naveronski , one last question. Ok, I plan on replacing the axle, NAPA has them for a pretty good price. Should I do them both? What are your thought s on that?

 

Id do the boot kit. Aftermarkets just dont last like OEM...I think the aftermarket boots typically suck a little more and they certainly dont articulate as far as OEMs sometimes.

At least save that OEM axle and reboot it now or later when the aftermarket likely gives up its boot.

Made that mistake before....aftermarket one lasted 30K. OEM ones lasted 120K+, with probably 100K lifted miles.

 

I'd repack the original. I swapped to an aftermarket axle when my Outback split a boot. It always had an oscillation and wasn't as smooth as the original OEM. Can't remember what brand it was. But I vowed next time I'd stick with an OEM unit.

 

Funny, you posted this as I was replying. I 100% agree with this. Matched my experience with an aftermarket axle in my Subaru.

Keeping the OEM to repair, and swap back in at a later date, is extremely smart.

 

It looks like you have your truck lifted so extra wear on the CV boot may happen again. Last year I had a small tear in one of my boots so I replaced it with this kit from exit off-road. I wanted to keep the OEM axle and it's my hope that these fancy high clearance boots will last longer than OEM or aftermarket.
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-high-clearance-outer-cv-boot-kit-for-toyota-lexus/

 

Run a Napa cv while you reboot your oem one. Then use the Napa axle as a trail spare

 

I don't fix things that are not broke.

That said, if you are lifted, you are on borrowed time anyways.
The choice is yours. I'm not lifted and I have no reason to believe the "other one" will go out.
Therefore, I would not NOT replace mine.

 

Just do the one that needs it.

I agree with @TnShooter about not replacing things that aren't broke...

...but while you're in there, this would also be the time to do the ECGS bushing replacement for your factory needle bearing if you're having any issues.

 

if your boot is torn now is a good time to put better angle boots.

I believe there’s at least two available, including red from CVJ. Wish I did that when I rebooted mine instead of dealer stock rebuild kit.

Theres also boot clamp slide mod where you can potentially rebuild it with the inner clamp pulled in more.

 

I have replaced 2 Napa HD’s already and I don’t really wheel. Forest service roads is about all. Boot of the times boots had ripped. I have a 2 1-2” lift Going back to OEM

 

i did both mine with the oem boot kit, and did the boot slide mod from this site.. I had never done cv axles b4, but i am fairly handy, first side took 2 1/2 hours and second about 45 minutes. if you do, mark both axle and housing with chalk to get them exactly back in how they came out, and I used good quality radiator clamps instead of the bands that came with the kit... couldn't get my band tool to make them tight enough to hold. youtube is your friend.

 

I just installed these, Interested to see how they do.. I found a little plastic ring helpful if you are doing outer too..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-boot-goofin.828512/

 

i went with the OEM boot kit. If you have a vice it helps a ton and a jaw style bearing puller makes the job much easier. Took me a full day to take both the CV out and then reboot and put back in. If you are only doing one side should take half that time.

It is a little messy but i say if you have the skill to remove the CV in the first place, it requires about the same skill level to reboot the OEM CV using the toyota reboot kit.

 

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. Ok looks like I'll go with the JEGS long travel boot kit. Damn sure cheaper and I agree with don't fix it if it ain't broke. I believe that my experience level will allow me to re boot it with some Youtube help. Thanks for everyone for the feedback.