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Hi! I have a '03 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4WD. I had the CV a...


Hi! I have a '03 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4WD. I had the CV axle replaced 5/2020 and now the mechanic is saying I need lower A arms and ball joints replaced because the CV boots are missing. I just had the ball joints and tie rods don...

Hi! I have a '03 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4WD. I had the CV axle replaced 5/2020 and now the mechanic is saying I need lower A arms and ball joints replaced because the CV boots are missing. I just had the ball joints and tie rods done 8/19 and they say the boots should have come with that as it's a kit, boots aren't sold separately. But the info I found online says you can replace just the boots and these should have been done w/ the CV axle. Now same mechanic that did the CV axle says A arms and ball joints come with the boot and that's the only way to replace it. Mechanic's Assistant: What year is your 4Runner? '03 Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your 4Runner yourself? What have you tried so far? No, I said this is a mechanic telling me. Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? I feel like I'm getting the run around from this shop. They didn't give me a paper receipt for the CV axle, when they are hyper about documenting everything. It's fishy.

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Responses

Automotive Expert
Welcome to JustAnswer Mechanical Support! I amCustomerand I will be Investigating and Supporting your question today. I understand it can be really frustrating when your auto is not working an expected but don't worry as I am here to help! I may need further information, however, if required I will let you know! Sorry to hear your having issues with your vehicle I will try to assist you. I am reviewing your information and will get back to you shortly.

Hi and thank u!Hi and thanks!
Automotive Expert
When you had the CV axle replaced it would have come from the parts shop pre assembled. You can buy the cv boots on there own or in a kit with the cv joints. the ball joints and A arms are nothing to do with the CV boos Or CV axles it is a totally different component. Unless they are doing the opposite side from what CV axle was replaced then it could be that it needs replacing as it is the other side. But from what you are saying they dont sound as if they are being totally honest with you and you dont have no invoice or receipt to prove which parts were replaced last time.

They told me the boots would have come with the tie rods & ball joints which I had done by another shop in 8/19 due to a hit and run on my car. This shop stated the CV axle needed replacing and should have been done with the prior work. But then COVID hit and I couldn't get a response from the prior shop. So this shop did the CV axle, never mentioned the boots missing, damaged or otherwise. Now, another mechanic did an inspection and says the boots are missing and needed to prevent damage. The info on line says the boots come with the CV axle kit which is the opposite of what this current mechanic is saying.They also told me you cannot buy the boots alone, it has to come in a kit. So now they want over $500 to replace most of the parts that were just done barely a year ago.
Automotive Expert
there is boots on the tie rods and ball joints but the will come pre installed on the components. It looks like that they have not advised you of the defects at the last garage I would ask to go to the repair shop and let them show you the defects and take pictures and put them on here I will be able to tell you if they need replacing.

They gave me photos when they did an estimate on it. Let me see if I can pull them up.Found them, now trying to copy so I can attach.

File attached (ZL2MS6V)

This was in the inspection report under "Steering / Suspension inspection (Front)" Ball joints missing boots.
Automotive Expert
Yes the dust protective boots are both missing or they could have badly ripped and gone missing from the ball joints but it would take a long time to get to that state.

They would have seen them missing when they did the CV axle 5 months earlier. Since COVID, I barely drive at all other than a few road trips over the most recent holiday.My car was side swiped in Aug '19, damaging the tie rods so I had those and the front lower ball joints replaced then. I believe the boots were damaged or removed then but not replaced.
Automotive Expert
Yes I would more than think so if they were diong the cv axle on the front same side as the images

Basically, can I replace just those boots to prevent damage to the joints? Or does it all have to be redone like the mechanic is now claiming?This same shop has a different mechanic every time I go in. The first guy was great w/ older 4Runners and knew his stuff but now they just run through every blown light bulb, leak or part and list everything as though it's dire. I'm on a tight budget and don't have the $3,188 they are saying the truck needs with leaky back shocks, seeping valve cover gasket and now the A arms and ball joints (again).Are you still there? Can you advise if I can just get the boots replaced?
Automotive Expert
Still here was away sorry

No worries.
Automotive Expert
You can get the boots sepperate but some garages dont like replacing them and also the boots have been missing for some time allowing dust and grit in and it would have also lost some greece. I would just ask the mechanic to do the items which are saftey issues and leave the gaskets if there only seeping.

Thanks Casey! Can you recommend an online parts shop that would have the boots or can I easily find it locally through a parts retailer?

Is it like this CV joint boots (inner or outer) each sold separately?

I only have this one last question, I promise and then I'll let you go. ;)
Automotive Expert
Sorry I had finished my shift yesterday do you require more assistance ?

It would have been helpful to know you were off the clock. You just stopped responding and were still showing as online. This is my first time using this service.
Automotive Expert
I do appoligise for that. Is there any thing else I can help you with. ?

I’d asked if the boots can be purchased at a retail auto parts store.
Automotive Expert
Boots for the cv joint or ball joints on the suspension arms ?

Per our discussion yesterday. The mechanic said the ball joints and control arms have to be replaced because the boots r missing. He says it's a kit and can't be purchased separately.Yesterday u stated "You can get the boots sepperate but some garages dont like replacing them and also the boots have been missing for some time allowing dust and grit in and it would have also lost some greece. I would just ask the mechanic to do the items which are saftey issues and leave the gaskets if there only seeping."
Automotive Expert
Yes I was advising as the boots have been missing for a lengthy time and dust and grit have got in to the ball joints and they would have lost there grease I would advise to change the ball joints. I have had a look the upper arm ball joint boots are available but I could not find any lower ball joint boots available on line.

Those ball joints were already replaced after the hit & run on my car in August '19.
Automotive Expert
Yes I understand that but if they have been in normal use with the boots missing for a lenghty time they will be dry with minimal grease in them and debris off the road and would not be serviceable.

Noted. I'm taking it to new shop Friday to get estimate of what's needed.What you're telling me now is that the shop that did the ball joints should have included the boots but for inexplicable reasons didn't. Ugh!Thank u! I'm done.
Automotive Expert
Yes I think under the information you have give me I would do the same.

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