Front Driver CV Axle

[SoCalMonty]

Haha! Sounds like you'll have the last laugh when the zombie apocalypse happens.

I just got back and will check out the mitsu link to search for the CV axle part number. A quick check last night did not yield results, but then again I wasn't looking carefully.

For the info that it's worth, my 1990 Gen1 has a PCV.

Rajin-cajun; That's exactly my concern about after-market parts. I'd prefer not to get burned the same way I did when I replaced my dead alternator (thanks in no part to mud) with an auto-parts store house brand one. I put their 'Lifetime Guarantee' to use three times before I got to one that didn't die out within 6 months.

I'd be willing to go twice the price for an OEM part - especially hearing the account of your OEM CV's lasting so long. I'll look into a rebuild service - though at the moment, I'm not aware of a good one in the Bay Area.

A "rebuild service" will result in you receiving the exact same part as if you were to just go buy one already finished from any auto parts chain store. I just hate to see people spend more money for the exact same thing.

A lot of people use the same reasoning (...I only buy OEM parts because they last longer...) to explain why they go to dealers only instead of independent mechanics. I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain to "factory trained" dealership technicians how to do or find something. I will NEVER go to a dealer for labor, EVER. It's like throwing money in the trash can in my experience...and, many aftermarket parts have out-lasted the rest of my vehicles.

Good luck.

 

[HARABAS]

Agreed. My usual route for parts is; OEM, quality after-market then rebuilt - followed by cost and availability. Whatever the source, it'll always be installed by a local mechanic, if the job is beyond my skills+tools+facility, whom I have built rapport with. Sometimes he even takes the time to teach me a few things along the way and it feels good supporting the local economy.

Growing up in Asia, the first options were usually to rebuild parts as that was the least expensive and quality assured option. Next option was for low mileage surplus parts. OEM parts were something like three times the cost locally, in relation to to cost of the same OEM parts from the US or Japan

But here, I feel a bit uprooted from my resources. Does anyone know of a good mechanic who can rebuild axles in the Bay Area?

 

[Howah]

I replace torned boots before they're beyond repairable. $20 per side is hard to beat if its just torn boots.

 

[HARABAS]

I wish it was just the boot, but I suspect it's beyond. At least that's what I think, judging from the snap, crackle, popping sounds when turning. Also, on steep ascents on pavement, a sort of ratcheting noise emanates from the front area. The prior replacement of the passenger side CV eliminated those noises, so these same noises now, leads me to believe it's the driver side that needs replacement.

I plan to call the various online OEM parts supplier tomorrow with my VIN at the ready. I'll post what I learn then.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I replace torned boots before they're beyond repairable. $20 per side is hard to beat if its just torn boots.

I used to, but not anymore. If a complete axle is $69, and a boot is $27.99 (I just bought one), it's just cheaper in the long run to replace the whole unit and get 2 new boots, and only have to do the labor once (if 1 boot is bad, the other is usually not far behind).

 

[HARABAS]

Well, gents, it looks like an OEM driver side CV axle shaft assembly is no longer in stock. I believe rajin-cajun mentioned it's unavailability. You're right and my lost time is testament.

At this point, in the name of convenience and necessity, my option is narrowed down to the MasterPro Select from O'Reilly. The plan is to get it done before the weekend.

Thanks to everyone for your assistance. I'll post an update when it's done.

 

[rajin cajun]

Good luck!!!!

 

[SoCalMonty]

Good luck! It's not that difficult, just a little tedious is all.

 

[off-roader]

Personally I'd opt for a low mileage used OEM unit through car-part.com.

 

[HARABAS]

Well gents, here's the update. Spent all day at the mechanics (partly to observe/learn, partly to do little jobs under the truck while it was hoisted and partly due to an 'incident' - more on that later).

First off, removing the original driver side CV axle revealed a torn outer boot. Slipped in the new CV axle, but mechanic felt that it wasn't 100% right. Removed it, measured the diameter of the inner shaft and compared it to the original CV. Not a match. O'Reilly's Master Pro CV axle (part # MI8106)is narrower.

With the Master Pro CV back in the box waiting to be returned, mechanic called in for an OEM replacement boot. TLC'd the original and reinstalled it. Test drive didn't reveal any CV related 'NVH'. Popping sounds still happening (especially when backing up to a hard stop with the wheels turned hard to driver side), but without being sure yet, I'll presume it's old bushings.

Test drive did reveal a pull to passenger side during hard braking. During a previous replacement job for the front brake pads, it looked like the front driver side caliper piston was getting stuck. That's another job, and if I can't find forum info, another post.

So my confidence is back so far as the Monty goes.

 

[HARABAS]

Incidentally, the 'incident' that held me at the shop follows. Forgive the off topic nature of the post, but I figured I'd share it.

Hanging out at the shop office with the Monty parked solo at the front of the shop's two car entry way, a vehicle pulled in fast and collided with the shop's smog testing machine. Driver and passenger took off on foot. We would later find out that it was involved in a hit and run. To our understanding, there were no serious injuries - thankfully.

One of the officer's said, "Good thing it didn't collide with the black Montero". Up until then, the thought hadn't occurred to me. The white sedan was right next to the Monty. A thousand thanks that day wasn't a 'scenario of one thing fixed, another destroyed'.

But it did get me thinking on the merits of a proper bull bar...

"We see the signs we want to see".