Need Help... CV/axle question

[Leon R]

The new (Chinese) axles are ridiculously cheap! They basically put axle rebuilders out of business… It has been my experience that all of those axles are the same, regardless of where you get them (Ebay, AutoZone, or NAPA).

In my DSM racing world, we put out 2-4 times more power (than OEM) and yet these cheap axles seem to do just fine. After several years of using them, I must say that they appear to be a suitable replacement for OEM. In fact, they seem to be MORE reliable than the old, rebuild axles from Autozone.

Whenever possible, I prefer OEM. But OEM is hundreds of $$$, so they are not very practical. An alternative is to replace the boots on factory axles (assuming that the CV joints aren’t yet ruined). The problem is that replacement NAPA boots are $46 per axle and there is still a chance that joint are bad, where as you can buy a PAIR of new Chinese axles for $100 on Ebay.

I think that will buy the new axles, but save the old OEM units for a possible feature rebuild.

[VXorado]

BTW, if the kit did not come with the bands for the boots, the shop should either have some on hand or be able to get them. As an alternative, I used heavy duty zip ties on mine for 2 years with no problem.

Nice, I use zip ties too. I use two smaller (width) zip ties per one metal band.

Haven't had any issues and they're much easier to install.

[tom4bren]

Nice, I use zip ties too. I use two smaller (width) zip ties per one metal band.

Haven't had any issues and they're much easier to install.

Thanks for refreshing my rememory. The HD zipties were too wide & didn't stay in place so I ended up using ordinary grade zipties instead & they worked much mo betta.