Comments on: Seattle Subaru CV Boots And Axle Problems Explained

By: Chuckie Speedway

Chuckie Speedway — Sun, 06 May 2012 05:25:32 +0000

Sounds more like a wheel bearing than a CV
Problem. I changed mine on my Legacy
Not a hard job

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:16:46 +0000

I got around to replacing my drivers-side axle this week in my 2003 Outback. I figured out why the old axle was leaking cv grease – not cause the boot was bad, but because the previous owner installed the wrong axle!

Wrong length and very poor construction such that the metal cup/receiver on the inboard side which holds the joint had a break in it. There was a little metal disc floating in the cup and the cup itself was wide open on the differential side. This allowed grease to come out and made it look like the differential seal was leaking. I took apart the inner joint and it was the wrong kind of joint. Instead of the very robust OEM tripod-style joint, it was a 6-ball-bearing style, but with very small bearings and a terrible cage. As soon as I pulled the thing apart, all the bearings fell out. The outboard joint was very notchy and sticky too – probably from overheating. There was evidence of the wheel bearing grease flowing on that side due to improper sealing as well, so I will probably need a new wheel bearing at some point. So far no symptoms.

I don’t know what brand axle this bad one was, but I swapped it with what I think is a Cardone (my old passenger-side that I rebuilt with new boots) and it works great now. This axle has the proper tripod-style inner joint at least. The passenger side on my car was already swapped with a RockAuto/Cardone axle which is still working after a year.

With the bad axle gone, there is no more vibration at idle and no leaking grease!

I would prefer to have OEM axles, but luckily the Cardone ones I have are working OK. Hopefully they will last more than a year or two. If not, I’ll just get the OEM axles.

Thanks again to AWD Auto!

Cheers,
Dan

By: Deborah O'Bryan

Deborah O'Bryan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:00:34 +0000

What a awesome site! Your information is really helpful. But at this moment a little scarey. Our 2nd vehicle is down for the count and my subaru has 265,000. miles on it. The back right hand side is making a sound similar to a cv going out but above you mentioned its most likely the tranny. I’m bringing it in to my local shop fri. to check but with my mileage. is a rear cv possible? Thanx

By: kent

kent — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:44:12 +0000

Justin,
Thanks for all the great info! I recently bought a 04 OBW with very low miles (17,000 FL granny special). I have put 24,000 on the vehicle in the past 20 months (41,000). Last week the fan belts shredded due to the harmonic balancer seperating at the rubber mold. I fixed all of that, thanks to your info! However, the passenger cv boot cracked also at the same time. Fresh grease on the exhaust. Would you recommend rebootng (since the milage is low) or going with a remanufactured?

By: Reena

Reena — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:50:30 +0000

We also replaced our front right side axel and now have bearing issues on the left wheel.

I am wondering if there is a connection. I am no car techie so have to rely on the folks unfortunately

By: Justin Stobb

Justin Stobb — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:22:55 +0000

Its $349.99 for a Subaru Axle and it will last the life of the vehicle as long as you take care of the boots before they tear open , loose the grease and the joint becomes damaged due to lack of lubrication.

The A1 is a cheaper option that someone warrantying the job themselves can take the risk on, I do not suggest anyone buy those parts and ask a shop to put them in or any shop use them. They simply will not last as long as the OE.

We have seem them break, I have never seen an OE due so under the same type of use.

I am glad you were able to make your own repair and are comfortable with the outcome.

Justin

By: JT

JT — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:57:33 +0000

My ’03 OB Sedan had 112,000 miles on it when the right front CV starting the ominous “clicking” under power in turns, vibration, and the left front had cracks and grease on the way out.

Like some others here, as much as I love my Subaru, $500 for an assembly is not just too high, it’s irresponsible to my family to spend. I picked up 2 Cardone complete assemblies and swapped them in myself for $150 My car has several thousand smooth miles in mountainous northern calif (I drive a 17% grade everyday to work) .

I’m Certain, that a Subaru OEM new axle assy is the best, but the Cardone rebuilt assembly is a good deal – realistically, if the rebuilds were so unreliable Cardone would be out of business, and they operate just 2 hours from me in Sacramento Calif – so I support local economy this way also.

Anyone with a little auto background can change one out also – don’t be scared off the job so easily. Worst one I ever changed was rusted spline to hub and just took some Kroil, puller and time to soak in.

Great website and articles, I Love My Car!

By: Justin Stobb

Justin Stobb — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:26:59 +0000

I would return the Napa boots, and buy Subaru ones.

It needs to be disassembled, cleaned, re greased. Care must be taken to install the axles properly there is a roll pin to remove to remove the axle form the stub shaft.

Justin

By: Justin Stobb

Justin Stobb — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:24:59 +0000

The joints wear and develop excessive play causing the noise.

Justin

By: Russ

Russ — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:43:30 +0000

Hi Justin,

Thanks for the informative article. I have an 06 STi and seem to have this problem.

I’m curious what the clicking noise is from? WHen the CV boot rips or eventually deteriorates what happens that makes the noise people often hear? Is something seizing up?

THanks for the good info!