During a vehicle inspection, our Toyota technician noticed the front driver's side CV drive axle grease boot had failed allowing the grease to leak out and damage the CV joint. Due to the vehicle's age and mileage, we recommended that the complete axle assembly be replaced.
Problem
The Toyota Sienna is a front-wheel drive vehicle and uses drive axles with CV joints and flex boots to keep moisture and dirt out of the CV joint. The boots deteriorate with age and use and crack allowing the lubricating grease to leak out. Unfortunately, this vehicle had not been serviced or inspected for an extended period of time and the axle CV joint was damaged by a lack of lubrication. This required that the whole axle assembly be replaced.
Repair
Replacing the drive axle on a Toyota Sienna is a relatively simple repair. The wheel is removed, the drive axle nut is removed, the lower ball joint is unbolted, and the suspension strut is held off to the side so that the drive axle can be removed from the wheel hub and the transmission.
There are two options when replacing drive axles on Toyota Sienna vehicles. An original Toyota axle is superior quality compared to an aftermarket reproduction axle assembly, but is significantly higher cost. Due to the age and high mileage of this vehicle, the owner chose a less costly aftermarket replacement axle.
The new drive axle was installed, the vehicle reassembled, and the vehicle road-tested for quality control.
Drive Axle Replacement Cost
Like most auto repairs the repair cost varies depending on the vehicle's age, options, and condition, and the parts required for the repair. We can provide a detailed estimate once we have inspected the vehicle. A quick check online shows a 2008 Toyota Sienna driver's side drive axle replacement cost ranges from $xx to $xx. Using original equipment Toyota parts would cost significantly more.
Tips
If a failed grease boot is noticed before the CV joint is damaged by moisture and road grit the grease boots can be replaced and the axle itself reused.
Toyota drive axles are very high quality compared to aftermarket replacement axles. They are designed to last the life of the vehicle if the grease boots are periodically inspected for leaks and replaced before the joint is damaged. A grease boot replacement kit is available which allows reusing the original Toyota drive axle assembly if it is in good condition. We recommend not replacing the original axle assembly unless the axle is damaged or worn out.
Regular inspection of the drive axles for grease boot failure will allow replacing the boots before the grease leaks out, and moisture and road grit contaminate the joint and damage it. If the failed axle grease boot is noticed in time the axle can be reused.
The boot kit and labor to replace the boots is approximately equal to the cost of a low-cost aftermarket axle but the reproduction axle is inferior to the original Toyota axle. Keep in mind that the Toyota replacement axles are significantly more expensive than aftermarket axles so if the axle must be replaced, an aftermarket axle is less costly. This is a case where regular vehicle inspections and maintenance pay off!
In the image above notice the line of grease leaking from the flex boot and how the grease is being thrown out onto the chassis (yellow circles). The grease boots crack and leak grease when they get old and the joint runs out of lubrication and eventually fails. If the boot splits open moisture and road grit get into the CV joint and cause increased wear and failure of the joint. If the boot failure is caught soon enough the boots can be replaced and the axle shaft reused for a large savings in repair cost.
FAQ
Is a wheel alignment required after a drive axle replacement?
The 2008 Toyota Sienna does not require a wheel alignment after a front drive axle replacement. Nothing that affects the wheel alignment is disconnected when changing a drive axle.
Do both 2008 Toyota Sienna drive axles need to be replaced at the same time?
No. Only the axle with a failed grease boot needs to be replaced. On the 2008 Toyota Sienna, there is no savings in replacing both axles at the same time unless they both need to be replaced. It is wise to check both axles for boot failure and a better value to change the grease boots on both axles at the same time.
Recommended Toyota Repair Service Shop in Ann Arbor, MI
Contact Hoover Street Auto Service for all your Toyota service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our Toyota technicians have the skill and experience to diagnose and repair your Toyota Sienna problems correctly. We are Toyota service specialists.
You can trust your Toyota service to Hoover Street Auto Service. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Abbott Street Auto Service also serves the surrounding areas, including Pittsfield, MI; Ypsilanti, MI; Saline, MI; and Dexter, MI.