Hi there all! I need some feedback on deciding wether to replace my front driver and passenger side axles or just replace the inner and outer boots. My trouble is, my boots are torn and there is a lot of crud on the inside of my wheels. I'm pretty sure its grease of some sort and has been like that (I'm embarrassed to say) for about three years! Anyway, I got new wheels and want this resolved so the new wheels won't get all that crud in there. Any feedback would help. The dealer is charging about $37 each boot (that means i require four) and $194 per axle and they are re-manufactured. Or, a shop could replace my axles with new axles but they are using a chinese part that the shop claims may be better than the factory (the shop owner is reliable as i know him). What do you guys (or gals) think?

 

No one replace just the boot's. Waste of time.

Most guy's here will tell you to learn how to do this simple job, replaceing the axle yourself. The first time is hard but most of us can do one in 15 minutes.

If your buddy does them, tell him to buy the better aftermarket reman's, they should be about 150.00 each.

Don't go to the dealer, (stealer).

 

here's one place

http://www.drivewire.com/products/ac...assembly/5900/

Here's some more
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...+Acura&aq=f&oq=

Your shop buddy should be able to find the 150.00 ones. they may be cheaper.

Lot's of horror stories and the Free Life Time replacement ones for $40.

I've gone through as many as 4 before I got a good one.

 

Thanks for all the info and feedback 1992Si!!! I own a 1996 integra LS(two-door with manual transmission), is there anybody out there who can recommend a decent brand of axles? I use my car as a daily driver with occasional aggressiveness (more than a conservative driver i guess). What I learned so far is to replace the actual axles rather than replacing just the boots. So, I am on the market searching for some axle assemblies that rival (if not better) the stock ones with a better price too. Any feedback is welcomed! Thanks everyone!

 

Most auto parts stores have axles with a lifetime warranty on them hell they are 50 to 80 bucks tops (advanced auto parts / auto zone / car quest) .If you dont have any crazy horsepower and are just stock then they should be fine for you and will save you some money !

 

I have had so many problems with the cheapy axles (on stock grandma cars). We've switched to Oreilys and we havent had any problems out of theirs...yet.....You can replace just the boots and if they were just now tearing. I would do that because honda axles are better than any of the parts house junk, but considering youve been driving like that for so long, there is probably a bunch of dirt and water in the CV joints and they are probably on their last leg anyways, so just replace them. Plus its a total pain in the *** and grease gets EVERYWHERE, and if you dont have a parts washer to clean them out, or the tool to put the clamps back on its more trouble than its worth for you.

 

If you have the money, in the drag racing forum there is a thread about Insane Axles. I think it was like $300.00 for his cheaper set.

Check it out.

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/drag-racing-36/insane-axles-2548550/

 

Thanks again for all the input guys!!! I'm trying to search and research whenever I have time (which is limited!). I decided to replace them since the boots were torn for a while since the car was purchased (second-hand). Once again, I own a 1996 integra with 193,000 miles (and still going strong)!!! Axles are definately going to be replaced before I install my wheels. I read the thread on the insane axles (thanks again by the way!) and I believe it's too much in terms of price and what I plan for the car as it is only a daily driver (wish I had the cash though). Please, keep the feedback coming. Thanks guys!

 

Do you plan to do this job yourself or have your friend do them at his shop ?

Make sure he will replace them with labor for free if they, the Chinese ones break during the warrenty.

Unless you have the proper tools to do this job and don't plan on doing your own repairs in the future, just pay the man.

But, seeing as you have come here to ask for help, may be you might want to start learning how to fix your car and save money and gain the confidence and pride in knowing that you can do it yourself.

 

axles are a good job to learn on. They may seem overwhelming at first but its a very simple job and after you have done them a few jobs it only 15-20 mins...after you get the car up and the wheels off

 

Make sure you break torque on the axle nuts while the car is on the ground.

There must be a step by step here somewhere...

 

You just need the axle to be in the hub and a friend to stand on the brakes.