Shall I replace the boots or entire shaft?

[Antipodes4WD]

My Landcruiser 2005 is close to 370,000km and I believe it was towing a caravan at some stage in its life. The clip seat at the end of the axle looks pretty worn out, but holds. Outer CV boot is leaking right from where it is attached to the hub.

I can buy new boots and go through the process of disassembly-assembly with a lot of grease in between, but I don't think I have competence to judge how worn out the CV joint are. Taken the mileage, would I be better served buying genuine replacement driveshafts?

 

[SteveJB]

If you replace the drive shafts the you got nothing to worry about for a few more thousand km and if you feel like it rebuild two into one for that just in case moment

 

[uHu]

If the shafts are 370 k km old, then yes, get new ones and then service the old ones for spares. Although at 370 k they can still be pretty good.
Rules:
- Always use the right size C-clip at the outer end. Requires measuring each time, and a stock of oversized clips.
- Always check and lube the spindle bearing when doing Drive shafts, Disks, or Wheel bearings. FSM spec NLGI-1, but standard #2 will work unless veery freezing cold.
- Always change the inner hub seal when removing the hub.
- Do not reuse the hub cap too many times (FSM says single use)
- Use prescribed method for removing cone washers. Do not use chisel, or BFH on the side of drive flange. (Air hammer with guide is good tho', instead of brass drift)
- Always have new seal for the drive flange handy, in case the old one is either old or damaged.

 

[kano]

replace the entire shaft, that way you wont have to be replacing cvs in 6 months time

 

[Shayne]

Cone washers I've found respond best to loosen the nut some then just tap the nut with a hammer .