I’ve been asked this many times – OEM is EXPENSIVE but they will give you the best lifespan, hands down.
My OEM passenger axle 220k before blown outer boot
CV Boot crack and grease on lower control arm Scion tc
My OEM driver side CV Axle 237k before blown inner boot
Drivers side OEM axle vs Napa replacement no dampener
I’ll also add, my car is a daily driver no lower than 1-finger gap and I’ve never dumped or cambered it. I’ve never raced, tracked or dragged it. With that said, it’s quite possible others have had good experiences with non-OEM axles based on their ride height. Others with extremely low rides have complained about replacing their CV axles at regular intervals. Not worth the hassle in my book.
NAPA CV Axles are my choice
I chose to go with Napa Axles for 5 main reasons:
Price – $195 ish for the pair vs over $700 for OEM.
Positive feedback from Honda CRV forums.
Positive feedback from Toyota Tacoma forums.
Availability – grab from local Napa store same day.
Here are the links to the Napa Axles I used, remember to check fitment first on their website. You’ll note there is no difference between manual and automatic axle part numbers. Do your own research here.
If you want to save money instead of the NAPAs I would recommend Cardone CV axles, specifically because the passenger side comes with the carrier bearing already pressed on. Huge time savings vs having to swap over your OEM bearing. If I had to do this all over again I would get the Cardones.
Cardone passenger axle Scion tc with carrier bearing already pressed on
Removal tools
There are a variety of different removal tools on the market. Worse case you can rent a puller from your local auto parts store and fight that battle. This style pry bar tool attachement has proven to be the best removal tool for super tight spaces (driver’s side) knowing most of you will just have the car on jacks (not a lift). Trust me on this one
prybar tool attachement for tight space cv axle removal
Replace the input shaft seals
Since you have the CV axle off, be sure to replace the input shaft seals while you’re in there. If you want OEM you’ll have to research the part numbers to make sure you have the right one for your car (manual/automatic). You might need a puller to yank them out.
Installing the seals you might need a seal installation tool kit so that they press in evenly during installation. I use this kit, it comes with all the sizes you need:
Bushing and bearing install kit with various size discs
Buy NEW spindle nuts, don’t reuse the old ones
Replace the spindle nuts. Most CV axles will come with a new one. Reusing a crimped spindle nut may damage the threads on the outer CV. If you want an OEM clone use these
Doorman 615-224 spindle axle nut toyota scion OEM clone
Passenger side removal video on Youtube
The NAPA passenger side axle did not come w/ the carrier bearing housing installed. Some aftermarkets do. If you have to swap over the OEM bearing from the old assembly, see video below. In short, I had to heat up the housing cup with a Bernzomatic to get it off.
Drivers side removal video on YouTube
Torque to 159ft lbs
Here’s how to get proper leverage for a DIY CV Axle job while you torque down the axle nut to 159ft lbs. Make it happen.
getting leverage while tightening CV axle nut
Overall impressions
The Napa axles ride smooth. No vibrations at high speed. No clunking at low speed. Lack of the OEM damper seems to be a non-issue for me.
I share maintainence and upgrade info for the 2005-2010 Scion tC platform. I also showcase tool reviews, restore projects and custom modifications to inspire other DIY enthusiasts.
