tkdcoop Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Hello, I have a 97 civic ex with approx. 137k on it. I recently had it in for routine maintenance and the dealer told me that my CV boots were deepely cracked and would need to be replaced soon at about $275 for replacing just the boots. I have done some research and found that I could replace the front axles, CV's and new boots for about $280 installed. The dealer was trying to tell me that the rebuilt/aftermarket aren't as good as if I replaced it with factory units at about $500 installed. Does anyone know how long I might expect to have aftermarket units last? I am just worried that it I only replaced the boots that the factory CV's would go out shortly and have to replace the whole setup again. I am thinking of having them put in new aftermarket axles/boots/cv's for the additional $5-10. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleanGSR Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Hello, I have a 97 civic ex with approx. 137k on it. I recently had it in for routine maintenance and the dealer told me that my CV boots were deepely cracked and would need to be replaced soon at about $275 for replacing just the boots. I have done some research and found that I could replace the front axles, CV's and new boots for about $280 installed. The dealer was trying to tell me that the rebuilt/aftermarket aren't as good as if I replaced it with factory units at about $500 installed. Does anyone know how long I might expect to have aftermarket units last? I am just worried that it I only replaced the boots that the factory CV's would go out shortly and have to replace the whole setup again. I am thinking of having them put in new aftermarket axles/boots/cv's for the additional $5-10. Any thoughts? Check the warranty for the aftermarket's cause I think it's a pretty long term warranty which is all that really matters. I'll probably have to replace my driver's side axle soon and plan to spend about $60 on it from what I was told. I plan to change it out myself though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xeryon Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Common problem with higher mileage civics of this vintage. Aftermarket units are not as good as true OEM. For the price difference I wouldn't worry about it. Actual NAPA/Autozone/O'Rileys price for a brand new axle is only around $100 or so. Way cheaper then OEM. Make sure any non-OEM half-shafts are brand new units and not rebuilds. Rebuilds are pretty worthless unless you like replacing axles every free weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkdcoop Posted March 17, 2009 Author Share Posted March 17, 2009 I suppose it's a bear to replace these things yourself? I am just afraid that if I just replace the boots, the CV joints with 137k will need replacing shortly after. I would hate to have to kick myself for not doing it right away! How long to factory CV's last? Granted they haven't been abused... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xeryon Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Abuse is a big factor. If you don't beat on them, ever: 125000-200000? The real key is making sure the boots are not torn. When the boots tear or deteriorate they let dirt and debris into a sealed lubricated assembly. The torn boot is usually the culprit of a bad cv if the car was not abused. Once the boot is compromised it is only a matter of time before the cv is damaged. If the boot was actually compromised I would just replace them. If you do not have the proper tools the shafts can be a pain to replace. I have done enough of them now, and I have the proper gear that I can change out a set in my garage in an hour, give or take a beer break or two. ...but, if you are like me: 2500 miles might be the max. I am a little rough on my drive train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleanGSR Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Abuse is a big factor. If you don't beat on them, ever: 125000-200000? The real key is making sure the boots are not torn. When the boots tear or deteriorate they let dirt and debris into a sealed lubricated assembly. The torn boot is usually the culprit of a bad cv if the car was not abused. Once the boot is compromised it is only a matter of time before the cv is damaged. If the boot was actually compromised I would just replace them. If you do not have the proper tools the shafts can be a pain to replace. I have done enough of them now, and I have the proper gear that I can change out a set in my garage in an hour, give or take a beer break or two. ...but, if you are like me: 2500 miles might be the max. I am a little rough on my drive train. What special tools? I was looking through my honda shop manual yesterday and it looked pretty straightforward with just regular hand tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xeryon Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I didn't use the term special tools. I said proper tools. The axle nut will get you every time if you do not have a powerful impact. I broke my 500lbs gun when I did the shafts on the sedan the last time. I ended up using the cutoff wheel and cutting the nuts off completely. I tore the threaded end of the shaft up big time but since I was replacing the shaft anyway it didn't matter. The only other thing you need, outside from a basic mechanics tool kit, is more of a convenience item and that is a fluid hand pump for getting the trans fluid into the filler opening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleanGSR Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I didn't use the term special tools. I said proper tools. The axle nut will get you every time if you do not have a powerful impact. I broke my 500lbs gun when I did the shafts on the sedan the last time. I ended up using the cutoff wheel and cutting the nuts off completely. I tore the threaded end of the shaft up big time but since I was replacing the shaft anyway it didn't matter. The only other thing you need, outside from a basic mechanics tool kit, is more of a convenience item and that is a fluid hand pump for getting the trans fluid into the filler opening. My mistake. I have a 600+lbs gun so hopefully it will be enough. I have a filler deal that works great for trans fluid so that's no problem. I guess I'll find out how hard it is pretty soon. Axle has been making a slight *whomp, whomp, whomp* noise pretty much since I got it so it's only a matter of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkdcoop Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 Thanks guys, I think I will just get a set of new aftermarket axles/cv's/boot assembly and have installed during my next oil change. Hopefully they last quite a while(cross fingers here). Heck, I can change them twice for the cost of OEM honda parts. Thanks again guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kastigir Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Have you looked into the Honda certified remanufactured axles? They're cheaper than brand new, and you still have their OEM quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkdcoop Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 No I haven't. After Xeryon's comment, I guess I just lumped all reman's into the same basket so to speak. How do you think the honda reman's compare to new aftermarket units? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kastigir Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 No I haven't. After Xeryon's comment, I guess I just lumped all reman's into the same basket so to speak. How do you think the honda reman's compare to new aftermarket units? I would say they're better than aftermarket. You determine yourself what Honda certification means, but typically it's very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkdcoop Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 Anyone know of a good place to buy honda certified rebuilds? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xeryon Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Honda? There are a couple of on-line Honda dealerships that specialize in parts at discount rates. Check into College Hills Honda in Ohio and ...umm, can't think of the big one located on the east coast. In any case, some parts specialist Honda dealers are discounted so much that including shipping on items it is still much cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkdcoop Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 OK, thanks, I realize my last question sounded air headed. The reason I asked is because I called my local honda dealership and they claimed that their computers didn't list a number for honda reman. axles. They only had a listing for HX honda's, not my EX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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