Front Driver CV Axle

[HARABAS]

Good Day Gents,

In an effort to address mechanical issues before failure, my front driver side cv axle is up for replacement. Actually, both front axles were slated for replacement 6 months ago, but only the passenger side got addressed as the driver side axle ordered by the mechanic wasn't the right one. Apologies for my less than desirable mechanical aptitude, but my understanding was that the "spline count didn't match".

The mechanic (great guy, busy shop) couldn't source the correct front driver axle. I asked for the part number to search online (part MR276871) and got a few price points - $40, $70 and $400+. That's from Partstrain (Replacement Brand), Sears (Febest Brand) and Trademotion (OEM) respectively.

I'm hoping for some guidance from the Expo's Montero Gurus on the best course of action. Your time, knowledge and experience are greatly appreciated.

Specs: 1990 Mitsubishi Montero LS 3.0 V6 / 33 BFG AT's on stocks / OME Springs, Shocks & TBar Lift.

Links:

http://www.partstrain.com/store/?Ntt=cv+axle&submit_search.x=0&submit_search.y=0

http://www.sears.com/febest-outer-cvj-25x56x28-mitsubishi-pajero-ii-v14w/p-SPM759084314P

http://www.trademotion.com/parts/in...xt=mr276871&action=oePartSearch&siteid=214857

 

[SoCalMonty]

I usually just use Autozone/etc rebuilts with the lifetime warranty.

 

[HARABAS]

Got it. Thanks for the quick response and the suggestion. I just checked my local O'Reilly and found out I could order one in for 89.99. Brand is Master Pro Select (house brand, if I'm not mistaken). Online reviews on this, however, is hit and miss.

SoCalMonty, so you have an Autozone rebuilt CV axle installed currently? If so, how long has it been on? Any issues?

I'm wondering if the part number (part MR276871) I got is correct. Surely the price difference (90 vs 400+) shouldn't be too far out, right?

Drilling down in trademotion, I came by:
'INNER cv JOINT Montero; Left; 3.0L;
Auto Trans W/O ACTIVE TRAC 4WD'.
MSRP $289.50, Online Price $231.02.

Link:
http://www.trademotion.com/parts/19...I&model=MONTERO&submodel=LS&vehicleid=1207662

 

[off-roader]

I'm wondering if the part number (part MR276871) I got is correct. Surely the price difference (90 vs 400+) shouldn't be too far out, right?

in case we haven't told you yet, you should consider downloading the Mitsu ASA software from Mitsubishi links dot com and install it on a windows PC. Then using your vin you can easily lookup the correct part number for your rig. Alternatively you can also look up part numbers for other years by using vins from those years. There's a vin number repository on 4x4wire.com's Mitsu tech forum.

 

[HARABAS]

Thanks for the heads up on the Mitsu ASA Software. Unfortunately, i have no access to PCs. Just Macs at work and at home.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I have used them on other vehicles for the last 15 years or so. Had to use the warranty once or twice, but on track cars seeing lots of abuse.

$400 is highway robbery.

 

[off-roader]

Don't macs have a virtual PC mode?

 

[HARABAS]

I have used them on other vehicles for the last 15 years or so. Had to use the warranty once or twice, but on track cars seeing lots of abuse.

$400 is highway robbery.

Agreed. $400 for a CV is steep. At the moment, I'm definitely preferring the MasterPro's price point. For the curious, it's Item # MI8106 at O'Reilly Parts for the front driver side CV Axle Shaft. I was just initially concerned about quality because of the price difference.

I'm headed out of town to meet a friend with a Montero as well. Chances are he's had CV's replaced and I can get his input.

 

[HARABAS]

Don't macs have a virtual PC mode?

Possibly. My Mac's on the 'vintage' side, but I can give it a shot.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I posted a cv question a little while back that was left unanswered...but I recall finding a couple different cv's for gen 2's that had the same spline count, but different application listings and part numbers because the extended length was 1/8" different. That was it.

...any idea why those wouldn't be compatible?!

 

[HARABAS]

Not sure. From what I understand, most of the Gen2's components can work on the Gen1. For instance, I'd love to have Gen2 rear axle assembly with factory lockers one day and that nifty little (watchamcalit) that holds the locks the rear cargo gate open. But I digress.

Back to point, the part number from my mechanic actually looks to be for the Gen2 (as can be seen here [http://mitsubishi.epc-data.com/paje...g-shaft/149407,149413,149414,149405,149409/]- reference the year models on the right of the page). According to mechanic, one of the key things to be sure of is whether it's for a manual or automatic transmission. Apparently cv axle shafts spline into the assembly while manual ones bolt on.

 

[HARABAS]

By the way, thanks again, off-roader, for the Mitsubishi links dot com suggestion. I tried one and turns out it's a .pdf file download. Definitely Mac friendly. I inadvertently clicked on a link for a Haynes manual, though (argh!) and ran out of free time to check another link.

Incidentally, I didn't see a specific link for a 1990 Montero FSM. There's one for '89, then it jumps to '92. Nonetheless, the '89 should be fine.

I'll check it out when I'm home and 'clocked out' from work&wife.

 

[rajin cajun]

CV

Hello,

The stealer CV and/or axle are obsolete. I purchased an OEM remanufactured from http://www.cvjreman.com/. The dust cover was bent and there was a clip missing. Perhaps, you can find a local shop to rebuild it. My Mitsu OEM CV boot lasted 19 years. * I have a Gen 2 1994 SR, FYI On a side note, you can run bootcamp on your MAC and install windows. Good hunting.........

 

[off-roader]

Glad that helped!

Actually the hard copy of that 89 FSM (factory service manual) we used for that pdf was mine. A buddy cut my FSM's binding then scanned it for and created that pdf. Another buddy (via 4x4wire) actually owns Mitsibishi links the soft copies are hosted.

Yes, the 89 is pretty close to the 90 (I've owned both) although there are some minor differences. For example one has a PVC valve while the other doesn't iirc (no, I don't recall which one).

You can also probably also find a 90 FSM on ebay for cheap. It's how I got my original Mitsu 96 FSM. I bought a hard copy since the PDF won't do us much good during the zombie apocalypse LOL! :ylsmoke:

 

[HARABAS]

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.