hey guys, my mechanic told me that i need a new drivers side axle because the rubber boot is torn. I checked the prices for the oem unit and it's about 600. It's a bit steep...i'm thinking about an aftermarket unit. Have you guys had any good expriences with the aftermarket unit? Thanks!!!

 

Are you slammed / lowered?

I had both mine replaced due to torn boots as well, though all you REALLY need is a new CV boot...mechanic went with Advanced or autozone, don't remember, but they've got lifetime warranty on the part. Think it was AutoZone. As you can see, I'm only slightly lowered.

 

$600? Google it you can get that part much cheaper.

 

are remanufactured axles better or new ones? I'm looking into getting a Cardone part and i see that the remanufactured ones are more expensive than the new cardone ones.

 

there appears to be a debate regarding the quality of heat treating of remanuf axles. I would not buy that.

I would buy new.

 

Do you guys recommend a specific brand? Oem is $600

 

I picked up my pass side axle for bout 50 or 70 bucks at autozone last year and it gives me absolutely no problems so far. Mine is '04 and buying a brand new axle for a 10 y/o vehicle is just plain stupid in my opinion.

 

Got mine brand new. I wanted the lifetime replacement guarantee. The reman ones are using OEM Casting with New internals. I think of it as getting a rebuilt transmission verses a new one. New is usually better, however you need to know if it is quality stuff. Cardone is hit and miss with their parts, however they stick behind their warranty. So if it breaks get a new one. Of course that would suck to have to replace this part over and over, however I took the chance and it paid off. 1 year no problems, knock on wood.

 

I had mine replaced on passenger side. I was traveling thousands of miles and found boot was torn apart on passenger side. Went to one local but decent place and they replaced with aftermarket new part with total $170 labor and parts. This was because the shop was in a small town. I thought if it runs 6 months then I am good. It's been 2 years and car is running fine. Axel is an important part in car and I was worried about aftermarket part but it held damn good as of now.

 

Did my front passenger axle recently due to torn boot. You can get brand new axles for both sides for under $200 if you go with Replacement, Cardone, FEQ, and such brands or any auto store brands, etc. You should never pay $600.

I went with Raxles axle, and I can definitely recommend them for excellent quality, fast shipment, and no hassle reliable service. They assemble everything completely new when you order but theirs are around $150, more expensive but well worth it IMO for a top of the line strong product if you plan to keep the car for a while.