So I bought this 90' DA from my nephew about a month ago for dirt cheap. I plan on using this as a DD so I can give my Rover a much needed break. Every time I go to check something it's either broken or missing. Anyways, I just noticed this today when I went to check out a rattling noise coming from underneath the car. Don't know if this matters but it has never made any type of noise from the front end. It doesn't "click" or "clunk" when I'm turning or driving either. Do I have to replace the axles, or is there some kind of rebuild kit for this issue? Thanks in advance for your help.

Alex

 

Looks like the joints are already contaminated with dirt and grime. Best thing to do is get new axles from NAPA, AZ, etc. It's only a matter of time before they go. And I'm sure it's slinging grease everywhere, too.

 

Do you know by any chance how reliable they are from Auto Zone? I heard it's hit or miss with their axles, really would hate to go through all the trouble of installing them just to find out that my car feels like a washing machine on spin cycle when I go above 40 MPH you know?

 

It looks like someone tried to repair a torn CV boot. Honestly, I dont think its that big of a deal, But the car is 20 yrs. old Installing new suspension/drivetrain components will definately benefit you.

 

They are fine, just stock oem replacement parts. They get a bad rep for all the "ricer" stuff they sell like neon windshield fluid sprayers.. I always buy from pepboys but they are all the same shiznit.

 

If you buy axles from AZ, get the Cardone brand, they also come with a Lifetime Warranty

 

order your stuff up from http://www.rockauto.com/

cardone makes good stuff, make sure you know whether to get abs or not

 

I've only used NEW axles from AZ, not reman. Only a few dollars more and still has lifetime warranty.

I'd suggest against getting then online. If they break again, your downtime will be several days instead of just taking it into your local shop and getting a new one the same day.

 

Thanks for the input. That's exactly why I was wondering about Auto Zone. If I have to get them replaced in the future, I'd rather drive down the street rather than having to wait for days or weeks. Thanks again guys!!

 

i recommend you get NAPA or AZ NEW axles which have the lifetime warranty.

 

i have been rocking napa axles in my da for 2 years now as my dd and have over 40k on them still going strong

 

The replacements available at all of the major parts stores don't have the rubber damper ring like the OEM versions. If those axles are original, I would try to keep them.

I don't see any reason why you cannot simply reboot the OEM axles. You can purchase the bearings and boot separately. It's very easy to "rebuild" them yourself.

 

I've had zero issues with vibrations. Could care less about a piece of rubber. But getting that nasty axle grease everywhere? And the effort of taking it all apart? No thanks. $99 and I've got one for life.

 

def go to AZ or napa and get the replacements, cant go wrong with a lifetime warranty

 

The issue with vibrations isn't something that will be felt much, if at all, by the driver. The damper rings protect the wheel bearings, differential, and transmission from potentially harmful vibrations. You wouldn't run an engine without a balancer, would you?

And you think it takes too much effort to take an axle apart? I realize that its a matter of opinion and personal preference, but, I disagree. The hardest part of the job is removing the axle. There is absolutely nothing to the "rebuild." Pop the boot off, replace the "spider" pod, slip three new bearings onto the posts, pack with grease and boot.

The lifetime warranty is nice if your constantly breaking axles at the drag strip or something, but on a street car, I'd rather not be replacing axles any more often than necessary. I've also heard several stories about certain parts chains using spider pods of questionable quality.

Here is a diagram for reference:

 

best bet is to buy new ones. you can rebuild then. each boot is about $10 and come with the grease you need., BUT you have to know how to do it and you need the tool for the boot straps.
best bet is to get new ones. about $75 and $100(right and left). they do also sell rebuilt ones but your not saving much money and you get what you pay for.

 

ive been on my napa reman for about a year no problems at all

 

AZ rocks...... I buy all my replacement parts from them and no trouble so far

 

looks like your lower ball joints need attention too

 

One more thing added to the list, Thanks! This car sat for a year and half without being used so yeah, I have a lot of work ahead of me...

 

probably not if you abuse them, though.. lol.. like, if you have broken cages, they wont replace them.. haha

there is NOTHING wrong with autozone replacement parts.. i use their axles and ALOT of their stuff all the time, and almost never have any issues.. and when i do, they always make it right..

homeboy is right.. the only reason VattoZone gets a bad rep, is because of spinner hubcaps and blacklights for the bumper.. haha

 

So how many axles have you actually broken? I've broken zero (knock on wood), with several auto-x sessions and of course, spirited driving. Ones on my Toyota trucks have lasted over 5 years of off-road abuse. I see no reason to get messy and rebuild a used one when you can get a new one for cheap.

 

More than enough to count.

I'm not worried about the axles breaking though, I'm worried about the condition of my transmission parts and wheel bearings. For that reason, I will only run OEM Honda/Acura dealership axles, and they cost quite a bit more than the axles available at Autozone & other parts chains. For me, it's much cheaper to replace the bearings.

It also bugs me that you say getting messy is a contributing factor to your choice. I don't see why you think it's such a messy job. If anything, you get messier just getting the axle removed from the car. And, its about as easy as changing your oil. Personally, I would run my OEM axles with new OEM bearings, over a new Autozone axle.

But aside from the messy argument, if you've had good luck with non OEM axles, keep doing what your doing.

 

I've yet to encounter excessively worn bearigs or transmission components, so I'll probably just keep using these. You're actually the first person that has said aftermarket axles cause extra wear on drivetrain parts.

Also, lots of reman axles should be oem, since there are lots of cores that get turned in. Yet, I've heard of people snap those more than new units.

 

im happy with my reman, but they are on my beater da so i didnt wanna spend a lot on it