CV joint question, replace or rebuild? Options

[roelamizzle]

I noticed that my cv joints have started clicking when I am making turns. I have never rebuilt cv joints before but from the instructions in my Haynes book it doesnt look that hard. My question is should I attempt a rebuild or is this a good opportunity to get some aftermkarket goodies? (aka. early Christmas present ) Also what is the benefit of switching to aftermarket CV joints/axles? and what is a good brand to look for?

[hitcachi]

replace, and there really isnt an "aftermarket" for CV axles. Their axles. Go to Advance or Oreilly's. Everyones got good and bad opinions about both places, just like clutches, so just pick one and go for it.

[Yellow94GT]

I noticed that my cv joints have started clicking when I am making turns. I have never rebuilt cv joints before but from the instructions in my Haynes book it doesnt look that hard. My question is should I attempt a rebuild or is this a good opportunity to get some aftermkarket goodies? (aka. early Christmas present ) Also what is the benefit of switching to aftermarket CV joints/axles? and what is a good brand to look for?

If your interest is saving money than you can just replace the worn parts. This works out well when you can diagnose which joint is worn. You'll have to find which axle is worn than find if the inner or outer joints are bad. When I relaced both of the outer boots I put on new boots and regreased all four joints since the inner joints have to be removed to access the outer joints.

Also, the inner CV joint can be repaired without replacing assembly as outer CV joint must be replaced as an assembly. If you are certain which is worn I would rebuild. If your not sure I would recommend buying a remanufactured axle.

Remember to include the parts and tools, grease, boots, clamps, snap rings, snap ring pliers and boot clamp crimper, inner joint items, etc, when making your decision to buy axles or repair joints.

I hope I am not offending you by including the details on diagnosing and parts and tools.

All the best,
Yellow94GT

This post has been edited by Yellow94GT: Nov 20, 2006 - 5:33 AM

[soulshadow]

If you want to attempt to replace the worn parts go for it, but its a hassel. Its better off to buy a reman and save yourself the headaches of removing the saftey pins in the CV joint to replace the boot. You could use a speedy boot but I doubt those really work.

[My2Celi]

i just get mine at oreilly, their axle have a lifetime warranty. everytime i change out my clutch. i drpo by their store and say i need to change this axle out cause its bad. *from all the yanking and pulling to get them out* and they'll just order or get another one from you and you just give them yours. no charge for the warranty.

[4g-gt-four]

+1 on the remanned axle route
its so much easier just to replace the entire cv axle... And very inexpensive. I payed $55 per side from napa auto parts to replace mine (not sure how the 4gen prices compare to 6gen, but prob close) Its just not worth it to do it yourself. I used to work at a dealer and got payed to rebuild axles, but at the low prices auto parts stores offer remanned axles, its just not worth my time... plus you get a lifetime warranty if you keep the receipt in your glovebox

[tomazws]

+2 on remanufactured axle. It should cost you around $30 ~ $50 each. Catch is, you need to give them your worn axle (well so they can remanufacture yours ).

This post has been edited by tomazws: Nov 20, 2006 - 12:49 PM

[My2Celi]

im changing out my driverside axle, the only thing you might have to pay for is the bearing in the center of it. When i receive my axle today it didnt have the bearing in the middle so i went ot a machine shop and got a new knew replaced for $45 parts and labor.