frisbie2000

I have a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 with the 3.4L V6. The driver side inner cv boot is completely torn. I am replacing the boot in a few days. I was wondering if anyone could give me a overview on how to complete the swap and any problems I could run into. Also any tools that I will be needing.

brian2sun

First, it's easier to just replace the whole CV axle than to re-boot it. Plus, you can get lifetime warranty CVs at Napa for ~$80. For your question about an overview, I just typed "changing cv axle tacoma" in google and the 1st thing on the list was this:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/cv_axle/

That's a freebie, but please search before you ask questions on heavily covered topics. Welcome!

scuba

Removal
Dissasembly
Reassembly


Good luck.
Whats the story with your username? Is that your last name by chance? Cause its my last name. Weird.

Aftermarket CV's suck and break easier than stock. Only reason I would use one is if I was in a bind with a broken shaft..

brian2sun

Actually I'm pretty impressed with the Napas, but I agree that OEMs are the best. The Napas aren't pressed splines at least though - like what I've heard the Autozones, AAs, etc.. are. The Napa splines are cut like OEMs. I figure for $80 and a lifetime warranty, it was a better deal because when OEMs break you gotta cough up another $100+.

danimal92sport

I can't speak for aftermarket axles, but plenty of searches on this site and other Toyota sites scared me away.

Replacing the inner CV boots is very simple, but messy. All told, my first inner boot took me 45 minutes. I got my boots from RockAuto.com and they are holding up well about 5,000 miles later.

As far as I can tell, you're money ahead replacing the boot and you get to keep your (reportedly) stronger factory axle.

-Dan

cordrayj1

did not know that. Great info. guess ill be looking for some Napa's instead of bustin off another shaft inside my diff...or paying 250 a pop for the oem's (or however expensive they are)

jij0226

iTrader: (1)

I replaced my first CV axle saturday sunday and monday for the first time ever. The reason it took me so long was a damaged axle seal that no one in town could get me until Monday. But the actual install of the axle from start to finish took me a little less than 30 minutes. I couldn't believe how easy it was. I kept thinking I had left something out.

I was so pissed after thinking of the $100s of dollars I spent in the last year letting those jokers at firestone install these for me.

zerothought

I gambled on some from autozone and needless to say I lost. I just install some Toyota remanufactured ones and the difference in quality is amazing. Granted the Toyota ones with the core charge were around $500. I think that it is well worth the $.

sebastianholmes

why dont you guys go to a junkyard and pull some for around 50 bucks a set and theyre OEM?

scuba

Thats what many of us do.
Except, the manual hub CV's for the tacos are kind of hard to come by.

brian24

What are the symptoms of bad CV boots on 3rd Generation 4Runner. I have heard about this problem from a few users here.

I haven't experienced the issue myself and I am not familiar with what the symptoms are or how I would know there is a problem.

I have a 3rd Gen, 97 4Runner @ 195,000
SS 1.2 Liftkit: 2.5" front & 3.0" rear.
BFG 275x70x16

I already replaced the front ball joints after they killed my front BFGs.

Thanks

scuba

If you've killed tires I'd check the inner and outter tie rods before checking the balljoints. I'd also check the rack bushings and the actual rack for play too.


To check for bad CV boots just stick your head under there and see if you see grease spewing from a crack in the fins of the boots.

brian24

The tire are gone, that was last year. They died because I didn't notice the ball joint failure in time since I wasn't rotating regularly. The rest of what you mentioned was taken care of by the guy who did the work.

I have already replaced the steering rack and installed POLY bushings in the steering system. $600 later ... steering is excellent.

From your description it sounds like i am in the clear with CV boots for now - THANKS