7th Gen (2014) Camry RH CV Axle Reboot

[benjamming]

Looking to rebuild the passenger (RH) CV axle on a 2014 Camry SE 2.5L 4 cylinder (2AR-FE) with 6-speed U760E AT. It has ~ 250k miles with a leaking boot. The right rebuild kit (p/n 04427-0R104) and axle nut (p/n 90080-17238) were $40 after the recent Toyota 25% additional discount & free shipping (with $75). A 30mm 12-point socket appears necessary to remove the axle nut. I've replaced CV joints so understand that when removing the joint but won't come out then rotate axle 1/4 turn & try again. However, I've not rebooted one. But in any case I don't plan on removing from the transmission but rather plan to remove the IB boot clamp & remove the CV joint from the vehicle without disturbing carrier bearing or bracket. I understand there is a chance the spider has been damaged (water intrusion - rust, etc.) & the repair will need to be aborted & just replace the CV joint. I've watched the below video for guidance.

TOYOTA OWNERS! Never Replace Your Leaky Axle | Fix Them Instead! by Car Care Nut

What boot drive shaft clamping tool should I use? The Toyota p/n 09521-24010 can be found on ebay for $109 from Spice Japan or $116 from Good Life Your Life or $133 from JP Motors. Any thoughts on those sources or other source options? Or scrap the OEM tool and use an aftermarket tool? I'm not aware of this tool being available as a loaner tool from various parts stores.

Are there any other tips/tricks/items to be aware of? It appears the inner boot gets the thicker & darker grease in the Toyota kit.

Thanks.

 

[D60]

Unless you're gonna do this professionally the aftermarket copies of the tool for $20 should be fine.

I have this one. Not saying it's good or bad. I think I've used it once and it was "fine"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRR33549

Honestly for tight quarters this 90* plier is my preference if it'll work.
https://www.jbtools.com/lisle-30600-cv-boot-clamp-pliers/

Are the clamps definitely all Oetiker style crimp-to-close? An image of your part # shows two possible styles? Maybe just a stock photo?

Regardless I'd highly recommend just getting a set of these for earless. Inexpensive but difficult to find in a pinch (pun?)
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-30500-Boot-Clamp-Plier/dp/B0002SREB8

Finally, even with a lift standing under a vehicle, trying to rebuild a CV on the vehicle sounds like less fun than a root canal. Personally I'll fight to get it on the bench.

Post pics of progress and good luck!

 

[Trav]

It looks like this one uses a jack shaft on the right side, I cant say if the jack shaft is removable or not (I would think so but I don't work on Toyota), it also uses a carrier which you may need to remove. Best case the CV pulls out of the jack shaft with the help of a prying tool or wedge tool or you need to pull the whole thing out. No need to remove the transmission, it does use Oetiker clamps, I use these but the ones D60 posted will do the same job.
Lisle 30800 Cv Boot Clamp Pliers

 

[D60]

You should also have a straight set like Trav posted, but I figured that was a given. The 90* is only for tight quarters, which is also where Toyota's vise style can excel -- although it's still far more bulky than the 90* pliers.

If you're ever stuck any pair of flush cutters will work as a straight tool for Oetiker. Just sand the cutting edges a bit to dull them. Pros: readily available at hardware stores and even ag/Co-ops. I have a set deliberately because the handles are longer than any automotive-specific. Some larger Oetikers on CVs can benefit from the extra leverage to get them tight.

Basically you need 4 to 5 tools to handle 98% of CV clamps, but with careful shopping they can all cost less than the $113 Toyota OEM

 

[D60]

Oh also the "tight quarters" I mention are usually steering rack bellows. Replace inner TREs like a champ!

I try to have all CVs on the bench, but obviously getting a steering rack on the bench is impractical and unnecessary to replace a bellow.

 

[The Critic]

I can send you the tools as a loaner. Do you have an air hammer? The bearing can be difficult to dislodge from the bracket but getting the axle out of the knuckle can be equally challenging.

You can certainly leave the inboard end in the vehicle but it is a messy and annoying way to do the job....unless you have no other choice.

Also, removing the snap ring on the tripod can be difficult. Some of those tripods also need a lot of persuasion to come off the shaft.

 

[benjamming]

It looks like this one uses a jack shaft on the right side, I cant say if the jack shaft is removable or not (I would think so but I don't work on Toyota), it also uses a carrier which you may need to remove. Best case the CV pulls out of the jack shaft with the help of a prying tool or wedge tool or you need to pull the whole thing out. No need to remove the transmission, it does use Oetiker clamps, I use these but the ones D60 posted will do the same job.
Lisle 30800 Cv Boot Clamp Pliers

View attachment 334874
View attachment 334875

To clarify, I plan to remove the CV joint & do the reboot on the bench (vice) by cutting the IB clamp while in vehicle & then pulling out. That way I don't have to remove the bearing or bracket.

 

[benjamming]

I can send you the tools as a loaner. Do you have an air hammer? The bearing can be difficult to dislodge from the bracket but getting the axle out of the knuckle can be equally challenging.

You can certainly leave the inboard end in the vehicle but it is a messy and annoying way to do the job....unless you have no other choice.

Also, removing the snap ring on the tripod can be difficult. Some of those tripods also need a lot of persuasion to come off the shaft.

What tools do you have?
I'm in Alabama so am hoping getting the axle out of the hub will not be difficult.
I do not have an air hammer. I have hammers and hot air though!
Messy and annoying (reboot) sounded better than paying for a new axle, bearing, & bracket. This statement may not age well.
But the snap ring comes right out in the videos! Just kidding. Yeah, getting the tripod off the shaft may be a fight too. Everything may be a fight! I guess I'm trading the fight of the carrier bearing with removing the tripod.