Hi all,
The outer boot on my passenger side axle is split wide open exposing the interior axle. It has not been driven a lot in this condition.

First of all, I am not going to do this job myself for a variety of reasons, but am going to use a relatively good local dealer.

I have checked and the OEM axle is not available leaving me with two options as I see it:

1) The only Nissan axle that is available is the Value Advantage one that is very likely to be made in China (according to what I have heard, read, and even saw on a box of one in the Parts counter display). I have always understood that the Value Advantage line is Nissan's more economical, line of parts. I have never used any of them because honestly I have never had any major issues like this. I can only say that the VA air filter appeared much inferior to the OEM when I bought one. I'm not crazy about a made in China axle but, it is a Nissan part, so I guess that counts for something and presumably should be better than one from a standard parts place. I want to believe my OEM axle is better quality but one service manager said that one was probably built in China in the first place too. I don't know.

2) The dealers are willing to rebuild the axle but to them, that means wiping off as much grease as they can and repacking with new grease and putting on new boots. I don't think that is a good route. There could be grit/sand in the grease that unless the entire assembly is degreased, would still be in there.

3) My other option is to see if the dealer is willing to remove the axle, have it sent to a reputable axle rebuilder here in Colorado for proper rebuilding, and therefore retain the original axle. However, it does have about 75k original miles on it, likely exposed to abrasive grit etc from the boot being torn, etc. I'm not sure the dealer will want to tie up a lift for probably 2 days. Then I run the risk that if the axle is cost prohibitive to rebuild, I will be looking at a diagnosis fee from the axle shop for the time to pick up and return, and effort to evaluate. Plus, I'm assuming in this scenario the rebuilt axle will be better than the VA axle. Hence this post!

Note, dealers I spoke with, except one, strongly advise the VA axle. They say it will have a 12 month/12k mile warranty. If I go with the VA axle, the axle shop advised me to at least keep the OEM axle for possible future use but I"m not crazy about storing a rather large car part in my already packed garage.

Thanks!

 

I just bought a Value Advantage radiator and condenser for my Frontier. Typical aftermarket quality and fit, similar to what can be bought from any auto parts store. I would not buy them again.

The dealer won't spray it down with cleaner or put it in a washer and verify the condition? Seems like a waste of time.

A genuine Nissan drive shaft is over $550. OEM boot kits are $50 each. The inner and outer joints (although pricey) are also available if yours are worn out.

 

I’ve had very good luck with the Cardone Select (new) axles.

My set set has been in car for about 4 years now.

As an added benefit they come with a LLT warranty.

Both Rock Auto and Summit Racing have them ...

 

I also had good experience with Cardone new from either Amazon and Rockauto. It sounds complicated to replace a CV axle but it really is not. If you can do your own brake job, you can replace a CV Axle. I recently replaced my passenger CV Axles in both my 2003 Infiniti I35 and my daughter’s 2013 Nissan Rogue. I used to pay a mechanic to do it because I was afraid that it will be above my skill level. The cars still running great after 3000 miles on the new axles.

 

Keep the OEM axle for possible rebuilding later, especially if it is the side with the extra long one (passenger?).
I was in the same boat as you and have not once gotten an aftermarket axle (long side) that does not have some amount of low-speed vibration. I luckily kept my original one and will be rebuilding it at a later date.
My car is lowered, so that may play a part in the vibration. It is possible at stock-height there would be less or no issues with the aftermarket one I am using.