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Leaking CV boots, need advice

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by r32, Jun 16, 2020.

  1. Jun 16, 2020 at 10:13 AM
    #1
    r32

    r32 [OP] New Member

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    First real problem I've had with my 4Runner in the first 150,000+ miles. Should I buy new axels, and if yes, which ones?

    2008 4WD Sport

    Original upgrade: 3.17.2018
    Today's date: 6.16.2020

    Discovered a problem that is potentially from the upgrade with the 5100 shocks. When I installed the shocks, it gave me a lift of about 0.75 - 1" from what it was with the worn factory stuff. Definitely noticeable, especially when shorter people have to get in the vehicle.

    CV Boot Problem

    Earlier this year, I got under my vehicle and noticed the CV boots leaking grease now. It's not an explosion of grease, so I'm sure there is still some grease in the boots, but they definitely need to be replaced / repacked.

    Did some research. Apparently the slightly added height from the new shocks might create too much articulation for the CV boots to handle, causing it to leak out of the end where the rubber boots are clamped, which appears to be happening with my vehicle.

    Local mechanic looked it up on his computer and said it would be a 4 hour job. So figure (mechanic rate x 4hr) + cost of the CV boots and I'm looking at over $650.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2020
  2. Jun 16, 2020 at 1:53 PM
    #2
    aolson6

    aolson6 New Member

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  3. Jun 16, 2020 at 2:09 PM
    #3
    r32

    r32 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the link. That looks perfect for my needs. Now to order some and figure out how much time it's going to take to do the swap.
     
  4. Jun 16, 2020 at 2:12 PM
    #4
    aolson6

    aolson6 New Member

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    They are longer and have better articulation. My boots tore too when I had my lift installed. Are you going to swap yourself?
     
    r32[OP] likes this.
  5. Jun 16, 2020 at 2:31 PM
    #5
    r32

    r32 [OP] New Member

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    Found this awesome video on replacing CV boot / axels on 2003-2009 4Runner. But of course I don't have all the tools, or a nice lift to make it easy.

    I've never replaced CV boots/axels before. I've done all work on my 4Runner since the day I bought it, but I'm not sure I'll tackle this myself. Took me and friend all day to put on the 5100's, along with new rear springs and new 5th gen calipers + rotors. That was a lot of work.

    Local shop said they would do it for about $500. Add the $520 for axels from CVJ and I'm looking at over $1000 in cost. Not good right now as this covid thing has affected my income significantly. But they need to be replaced.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PRYkDe8qZk
     
  6. Jun 16, 2020 at 7:36 PM
    #6
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    That doesn't look too bad.

    You got this, bro.
     
    r32[OP] likes this.
  7. Jun 17, 2020 at 4:38 AM
    #7
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    I may be wrong here and someone might be able to correct me... I recently replaced my passenger size CV axle after getting some dirt in it (I knew it was going to happen when I did it).

    I’m pretty ignorant when it comes to working on vehicles hence part of the reason for this site. Anyways, replacing the CV axle is about a 5/10 in terms of difficulty. The reason being, removing the axle and putting it back in is a PITA. Having said that, if you’re going to replace the boot, you have to remove the axle anyways. I ended up buying a NAPA gold, lifetime. I usually go OEM by the parts dealership I usually go to had a red carpet event that night at the service department was closed.

    You could save yourself tons of money by doing it yourself. Hell, for what the mechanics are quoting I’d buy an OEM axle and fix it yourself. This stuff can be daunting but I’ve found over time that the majority of the service we can do is on stuff that’s pretty durable. I wouldn’t worry about messing too much up doing it yourself. I feel as if I can do it, you can do it!!

    good luck and welcome!!
     
    r32[OP] and nimby like this.
  8. Aug 6, 2020 at 4:15 PM
    #8
    r32

    r32 [OP] New Member

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    Ok I'm getting ready to redo my CV Axels.

    Any other parts I shoulder consider changing while I have the wheels off? Bushings and what-not around the swing arm stuff?

    2008 with 150k
     
  9. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:32 AM
    #9
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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  10. Aug 7, 2020 at 9:46 AM
    #10
    aolson6

    aolson6 New Member

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    So I have had the CVJ axles for a few months and they were well worth the price...might want to check them out.

    I also did the sway bar links, mainly because I am at 170k. You should be able to see if anything else looks in poor shape.
     
  11. Aug 7, 2020 at 10:03 AM
    #11
    r32

    r32 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks. Which sway bar links did you get to replace the OEM? Did you replace them yourself or take them in to have it done? If you took them how, how much was cost?
     
  12. Aug 7, 2020 at 10:29 AM
    #12
    aolson6

    aolson6 New Member

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    I had all of that done. I am not savvy when it comes to cars...I wish I was.

    Sway Bar Links were $89.00 * 2 for the front and $55.00 * 2 for the rear. I went OEM. Labor was $215 for those.

    CV Axles was $230 to install both.

    It really does ride a bit better.
     
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  13. Aug 7, 2020 at 10:42 AM
    #13
    r32

    r32 [OP] New Member

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    $230 to install both. Insanity compared to the quotes I've been getting which have been at least double that amount.

    Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll replace the sway bar links too.
     
  14. Aug 7, 2020 at 10:49 AM
    #14
    aolson6

    aolson6 New Member

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    Yeah, I had some places give me quotes as high as $700...pretty crazy. I found a really reasonable and good shop here in So. California. I guess I got lucky.
     
  15. Sep 10, 2020 at 5:50 AM
    #15
    toyota4x4

    toyota4x4 New Member

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    How many do cv boots would you need to replace? 2 or 4?
     
  16. Sep 11, 2020 at 9:45 AM
    #16
    aolson6

    aolson6 New Member

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  17. Sep 11, 2020 at 12:36 PM
    #17
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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  18. Sep 28, 2020 at 8:33 PM
    #18
    GalacticOwl

    GalacticOwl New Member

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    3/2 lift on Bilstein 5100 and OME springs 5th gen trail edition wheels Pizza Cutters (255/80r17) Toyo Open Country A/TIII Bolt on sliders BudBuilt stage 1 skid plate system
    I don't think you have to worry with your axle angle with <2" lift. I would personally recommend you grab an OEM reman axle if you can find one for a good price locally or order the CVJ reman 9808 or 9808 T. Keep your OEM and reboot it as a spare for next time.

    DIY CV axle swap is a process that gets much easier after you've done it once, plenty of good resources out there.
     
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  19. Sep 8, 2021 at 9:16 PM
    #19
    evo4evo

    evo4evo New Member

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    Which shop do you go to in SoCal? TIA
     
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