Replace inner CV joint boot?

[Patrick Smith]

My mom’s 2007 Camry V6 XLE recently started leaking grease out of the small end of the inner boot on the driver side. The boot is not torn at all, just leaking some grease past the clamp. The car still has the original Toyota axles, along with a brand new genuine Toyota 6-speed auto transmission.

I have watched the CV boot replacement video, and normally agree with Eric about just replacing the whole axle. This is what I normally do, and indeed have probably swapped 15-20 axles over the years on various cars.

So I was thinking of putting a brand new axle in the car (from O’Reilly most likely), but since the boot has not breached and let in any dirt yet, might it be better to use a genuine Toyota boot replacement so that the original Toyota axle stays on the car awhile longer? I’m thinking there may be less potential for problems down the road if the Toyota axle stays on there (over $600 retail for a new one) vs. putting some cheaper axle on there, even if it is brand new.

Thoughts? Are any special tools required to replace the boot, other than the snap ring pliers to get the inner joint tripod off the axle shaft?

Topic

[valde]

I would only replace boot. Only tools you will need are something to cut old boot out, something to take snap ring out, and pliers for cv-boot clamps to but it back together. When you take joint apart you can easily clean it.

[Lorrin Barth]

I faced the same dilemma on my WRX except it was the small end of both front inner boots. Two new inner boot and now no leaks.

[Patrick Smith]

Is that a special type of pliers required for tightening the boot clamps?

[valde]

Yes you’ll need tool like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-TOOLS-CV-JOINT-BOOT-CLAMP-PLIERS-new-perma-quick-USA-/360841021644

[Patrick Smith]

Ah yes, I think I actually have a pair of those pliers, bought some years ago but I never ended up using it.

[Lorrin Barth]

I’ve seen several styles of clamps. My suggestion would be to buy the boots and then if your tool isn’t correct take one of the clamps to Napa. They should have what you need.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Honestly, the OE axle will be better than any aftermarket axle. In this case, it might be best to swap the boots. I know you say you watched the video but I’ll post it here for others that might have similar questions.

Keep us posted.

[Author]

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