rebuilt cv half shaft quality

I need to replace the cv joint on my '91 Camry Wagon. I'm going to buy a rebuilt half shaft. Any reccomendations on who carries decent ones? Kragens? NAPA? Autozone? etc I've read some have reground races and oversized bearings. I just need something that is not bargain basement crap with made in china quality.

thanks,

Ernie

Reply to
Ernie
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For many of these things (radiator, alternator, CV joint, PS rack, etc) I primarily use NAPA. They tend to carry quality parts as their top line and are competitively priced.

I re-boot halfshafts < 200K miles using Beck Arnley boots (Spicer by Dana Corp has good reputation as well) with Redline CV-2 synthetic grease. Those in the tuner circle consider 200K shafts worn out. But they race fast and hard, so YMMV. You can use the included grease packs, but my preference is CV-2 synthetic so I pay this premium. You can borrow tools free at Autozone, like the boot band plier, axle socket, etc.

For owners who are cost conscious, I'd used new halfshaft from NAPA (NAPA MaxDrive) (or Cardone NEW from your other local parts stores). It's fast and easy. I'll leave it to Cardone to answer if these $80 shafts are bargain basement crap. The reason I don't select rebuilts is precisely the "reground races and oversized bearings" you mentioned plus the occasional complaints of noise/vibration and less than perfect splines etc on the net. However, Cardone should be pretty good with these and rebuild them in the USA (don't know if they still do). Cardone rebuilts are about $20-30 cheaper! Check the warranty as the same part may vary between chain stores.

Rebuilt :

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Free loaner tools:
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CV-2 online prices at:
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Reply to
johngdole

John:

Thanks for the info. It is always specific and detailed!! I don't have the energy to mess with a reboot. I did check on the caredone website and they at least pay lip service in choosing quality cores for rebuild. I really don't think I need that high of a quality unit, but then again I did not expect this temporary toyota to be so bullet proof! Bought it with 200k on it and put on about 60k in about 2.5 years, plus drive on 6 miles of inclined county road each day. Any idea on the who carries Cardone here in CA? thanks again

Reply to
Ernie

Local stores called Kragen and Schucks on the west coast, Advanced Auto, Murray's and Checkers else where (all belong to Partsamerica). The following sites will point you to the nearest store and give you prices and availability at those stores.

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Rebuilt Cardones are about $60-65 plus core. New Cardone Selects are about $72-76 (w/o intermediate shaft), depending on flanged inner or splined inner shaft, manual/auto, US/Japan, etc etc.

Autozone and NAPA use their own brands. So can't tell if they are also Cardones.

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Reply to
johngdole

I just replaced the whole driveaxle on my 91 camry. It is a manual transmission. When I pulled off the old one about 1/2 - 1 quart of fluid came out of the transmission (or differential?) but I can't figure out where to refill it. There isn't a dipstick...or at least I haven't found one. any suggestions? Also, can I fill it with dexron fluid or is there a special fluid to us?

Reply to
Benji

Manual transmissions typically do not have a dipstick. You fill the fluid up to the fill hole or nearly so, and drain by removing a drain plug. Haynes manual would have a diagram on these plugs. The fill should be on the front (radiator side) and the drain should be on the left fender side.

According to the following online repair guide at AutoZone for the manual transaxle halfshafts:

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"12. Fill the transaxle with gear oil, install the fender apron, check front end alignment and test drive."

I'm not familiar with the transaxle, but the above suggests one single reservoir serves both the transmission and the differential sides. Some Toy autos have separate reservoirs, yet others with a single fill tube and two drain plugs.

Reply to
johngdole

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