Front CV Axle Boot Leaking

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ColoradoBoo, Jul 22, 2026.

  1. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    So I have my first issue in my 2021 Prius AWD....the CV Axle boot on the front/driver's side is leaking. I'm not surprised...we have about a 5-mile stretch on one of the roads I drove on with 1-2 inch gaps across the road about every 300 feet and it's a pretty harsh thump on the suspension when driving over them.

    Toyota sells the replacement axles for around $500 but, also, has a CV Boot repair kit. (04428-47060) for around $65...pretty cool they have those.

    Has anyone done this job? I've watched the Car Care Nut do it on an SUV and I'd have to buy a couple of tools I don't have. (Brass hammer, regular and small crimper, expansion crimp clamper, etc.)
     
    #1 ColoradoBoo, Jul 22, 2026
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Never done anything remotely that involved, but curious: does the joint have to be disassembled? Having a hard time picturing how you could wrestle boots off and on otherwise.

    It'd be empowering to be able to DIY this; we've had a few boot tears over the years.

    Did watch The Car Care Nut rebuilding a CV joint, was very involved. Might have been the same video.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jul 22, 2026
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Depending on how much dirt/grime has gotten into the CV axle grease - I usually replace the entire axle. Most parts store will give you a lifetime warranty on them. Since you think that this is going to be an ongoing issue - I would probably go that route. I have noticed that sometimes those re-manufactured axles are out of balance - so you may have to do it again, but it does have a lifetime warranty.

    What to do?????
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Jul 22, 2026
  4. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Oh it doesn't look too difficult to remove the axle, remove the clamps and old boots, and install new ones with new grease with clamps.....very interesting video. (He makes it look easy...I'm sure it'll take me much longer.)

     
    #4 ColoradoBoo, Jul 22, 2026
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  5. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Yeah I really don't have time to do a re-condition on the axle like The Car Care Nut did but talked to a couple of fellow DIY guys here and they've used the Duralast Gold from Auto Zone with good results...and they have a limited lifetime warranty (whatever that means). It was $162 as opposed to Toyota wanting over $400. I got it the other day and looks like my Toyota's....but I'll put them side-by-side after I get the old one out and take some pics.

    I'm off work tomorrow so will swap it out and keep the old axle. In the future, I'll buy the $60 re-condition kit and do that so I'll know how to do it for future issues.
     
    #5 ColoradoBoo, Aug 17, 2026 at 9:15 AM
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Watched that video and yeah, complex and tricky. Hang onto the old one, try rebuilding at your leisure?
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Aug 17, 2026 at 9:41 AM
  7. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Yep...if the old one doesn't look bad, definitely, going to get the $60 Toyota kit and replace those boots and grease.

    I've read that Toyota OEM axles can last for the life of the vehicle but aftermarkets around 7-10 years so if the OEM re-condition goes well I'll probably swap it out with the aftermarket in 5-years or so.....we keep our cars forever so, if I'm not driving it, one of my kids or grandkids will probably have it. (Hard to believe my oldest granddaughter turns 16 in a few months!)
     
    #7 ColoradoBoo, Aug 17, 2026 at 10:53 AM
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2026 at 12:01 PM
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