Need replacement axles (both sides)

[PandaBear]

94 Acura Integra RS (automatic), 250k miles.

Doing brakes today and found bad boots on both left and right axles' outer CV. The left side is just cracked (I suspect) but is already clunking when I go over bumps or pot holes especially if the wheel is turned), the right side is completely split but doesn't make any noise.

I heard a lot of horror stories about rebuild low quality axles from parts store, so I'd not go that route. So right now I have plan on either Acura / Honda OEM rebuild ($150 each, $50 shipping for both, $350 total) or Raxles (need to call, but I heard something around $120 ea and $55 shipping).

Do I need to do alignment afterward? I was told not because the suspension hasn't changed. How much labor time would I expect if I were to ask a shop to do it?

Any other suggestion? like a reputable new aftermarket brand that's cheaper? (I know about the you get what you pay for part).

 

[Chris142]

i install lots of brand new chinese axles and no problems yet

 

[bruno]

Raxles have a good rep.

 

[Trav]

Raxles or OEM. I spoke to Raxles last week, he couldn't help me because i have no core, the axle shaft is rotten.
They use new top quality joints not Chinese stuff. but they need a good core or the price goes up to brand new OEM, about $320 ea my price.

Aftermarket new is close to scrap metal and rebuilt uses reground joints which could be worse.
Realistically your looking at 2.5 - 3hrs to do both sides. So whatever your service dept charges per hour.

If your not up to doing this let the Honda dealer do it and get a warranty the rebuilt axles inc labor.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: Trav

Aftermarket new is close to scrap metal and rebuilt uses reground joints which could be worse.



That is very important When they regrind "the joints" it takes off the surface hardening and they usually dont last long at all.

 

[fdcg27]

You can always buy good quality replacement outer joints for less, although you'll need a heavy hammer to get the old ones off the shaft.
I've used AAP replacement axles, cheap with online coupon code, with no problems.
It's not as though your elderly Civic/Integra is likely to go another 250K.

 

[beast3300]

For a 94 I don't think we are going to the moon here. Parts store Chinesium will be good enough. There is a lot of rust distrubed and removed with those so an alignment would not be a bad idea afterwards.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: beast3300
For a 94 I don't think we are going to the moon here. Parts store Chinesium will be good enough. There is a lot of rust distrubed and removed with those so an alignment would not be a bad idea afterwards.
not much rust in silicon valley

 

[artificialist]

OEM reman axles are totally worth it in your case. I find that many 80s and 90s cars have an axle that was rebuilt more than once, and don't last more than 20,000 miles.

You will not need an alignment with your Integra because of the double wishbone suspension. Typically the cars that need an alignment are ones with McPherson struts attached to the steering knuckle by 2 bolts.

I once had to replace 2 CV axles on a 1990s Accord back in 2008. The basic rebuilds properly clicked when they were plugged in the transaxle, but moments after the car was driven, the 2 CV axles backed out of the transaxle, immobilizing the car.

 

[PandaBear]

Sorry, what I was suppose to say is it is a 97, not 94 (typo).

I do want to keep this car for at least another 7-10 years if possible, so I'd rather spend more to get a good set of axles.

I have the OEM repair manual, and it seems like getting the outer CV core out is not "that" hard. There are no rust at all, and the outer joint on the right side doesn't make noise yet, so I think I might want to try a "clean and regrease" if possible. The left side since it is already making noise for a while, I'll just get a reman, Raxles or OEM (which one is better?).

 

[barkingspider]

I would do oem on the left and clean and regrease the other side. I done a clean and regrease because I wanted to keep the original axel. Worked great and lasted until I sold the car more than 5 years later.

 

[Nayov]

I've done a clean, regrease and new boot job on my 90s Nissan 3 times now. I caught the splits early, of course. Not wanting to take a chance with re-man *bleep* out there.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Sorry, what I was suppose to say is it is a 97, not 94 (typo).

I do want to keep this car for at least another 7-10 years if possible, so I'd rather spend more to get a good set of axles.

I have the OEM repair manual, and it seems like getting the outer CV core out is not "that" hard. There are no rust at all, and the outer joint on the right side doesn't make noise yet, so I think I might want to try a "clean and regrease" if possible. The left side since it is already making noise for a while, I'll just get a reman, Raxles or OEM (which one is better?).



Go with the best price. I seriously doubt Honda OEM rebuilt allows for regrinding of the bearings.
As for the other side regrease and use Rockford Duraboots. You will need to call them for the boots as their catalog is outdated but i am sure they can hook you up.
These are the really good boots, the best i have seen to date and better than OEM in most cases.

http://www.rockfordcv.com/rcvboot.htm

 

[joel95ex]

I have done both sides on my accord. i used O'rielly reman ones and replaced for free after the boots wore. they are good-- lasted a long time (I'm at 471k). raise both sides on jack stands or you will regret it since the sway bar will make too much pressure to get lower ball joint bolt out of lower arm. before you remove them, check to see if the axle seal at the trans is wet/leaking and replace it while the axle is out. otherwise it's pretty easy.