jayman7

My Right front axel started to leak some grease on the inner joint. Best to replace both, dos anyone recommend where I should get the parts, other than the dealer. I saw in Sewell the parts cost 1500 for both L/R, other places sell them for about 140 ea. Anyone know the differnce? Suggestions? Thanks!

oldgrump

How many miles on the car? Just replace the one damaged driveshaft, or if you caught it shortly after the boot got damaged or split (and the CV joint has not been contaminated), then there is a boot kit available. The inner CV joint boots (and the actual CV joints, for that matter) usually last the life of the car.......it's the outers that normally fail first. Who told you to replace both driveshafts? The inner CV joints only have to deal with changes in the length of the driveshaft due to the movement of the suspension (it's only a "slip" joint). The outers have to deal with large angular changes due to the steering (obviously).
The $140 dollar driveshaft will be a cheap rebuilt shaft, or a really cheap aftermarket unit. They may not even have the damper or support bearing installed.

jayman7

Car has 97K. One of the parts guy recommended I replace the inner boot w/ the kit/grease for $50. Not sure what the cost will be. Any idea on the labor for this one? Thanks!

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

How long was it running split like that? I ran like that for 1.5 years and it was rusted last time I racked it up so I'm replacing my driverside axle

jayman7

I would say a few months or less, I saw grease while changing oil.

oldgrump

Just be aware that a lot of shops would just as soon replace a driveshaft with a new or rebuilt unit rather than accomplish any work on the original. They don't have to do any disassembly, inspection of the driveshaft for condition, and bench work which is required for an inner joint boot replacement. Plus, there's the labor, which I'm quessing will be an hour for the bench work. With 97,000 miles it might be simpler and quicker just to replace the driveshaft, unless you're lucky with your shop selection.

jayman7

Yes unfortunately part for OEM right drive shaft is 1K. Dealer cost for boot replacement only is around 900. IF you change the drive shaft you should replace both right and left for even wear, etc. Thanks.