Lexus 04428-0E060 Boot Kit, Front Drive Shaft, In & Outboard

With the vehicle on the ground and the front wheels pointed straight ahead, rock the steering wheel gently back and forth to check for excessive freeplay. Excessive freeplay may indicate worn front wheel bearings, main shaft yoke, intermediate shaft yoke, lower arm balljoint, steering system joint, or an out of adjustment or broken steering gear. Other symptoms such as excessive vehicle body movement over rough roads, swaying around corners, and binding when turning the steering wheel may indicate faulty steering or suspension components. Check the shock absorbers by pushing down and releasing the vehicle at each corner. If the vehicle does not come back to a level position within one or two bounces, the shocks/struts are worn and need to be replaced. Listen for squeaks and noises from the suspension components while bouncing the vehicle. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it securely on jackstands. Check the tires for irregular wear patterns and proper inflation. Inspect the universal joint between the steering shaft and the steering gear housing for any damage or lubricant leakage. Check the steering linkage, tie-rod ends, and all suspension and steering components for looseness, damage, loose bolts, broken or disconnected parts, and deteriorated rubber bushings. Check the steering components for free movement, chafing, and binding while an assistant turns the steering wheel from side to side. Check the balljoints by attempting to move each lower arm up and down with a prybar to ensure there is no play. Replace any balljoint with play. Inspect the balljoint boots for damage and leaking grease. Replace the balljoints if they are damaged. Lastly, inspect the CV boots for tears, cracks, and loose clamps. Replace any boots with evidence of cracks or leaking lubricant.

Complete rebuilt CV Boots are available on an exchange basis, which eliminates much time and work, so it's advisable to check on the cost and availability of parts before disassembling the vehicle. Begin by removing the CV Boot and mounting it in a vise with wood-lined jaws to prevent damage to the axle shaft. Inspect the CV joint for excessive play in the radial direction, indicating worn parts, and ensure smooth operation throughout the full range of motion for each CV joint. If a boot is torn, disassemble the joint, clean the components, and inspect for damage due to loss of lubrication and possible contamination. Cut off and discard the old boot clamps, then carefully pry up the edge of the outer boot and push it away from the CV joint. Pull the inner CV joint boot back from the housing and slide the housing from the tripod, marking the tripod and axleshaft for proper reassembly. Remove the tripod joint snap-ring with snap-ring pliers and use a hammer and brass punch to drive the tripod joint from the CV Boot, taking care not to damage the bearing surfaces or splines. Clean all components thoroughly with solvent, inspecting the bearing surfaces for cracks, pitting, and other signs of wear. If the inner CV joint is worn, a new inner CV joint can be installed on the old axleshaft; if the outer CV joint is worn, a new outer CV joint and axleshaft must be purchased. Check the condition of the support bearing on the intermediate shaft, ensuring it turns freely and smoothly; if not, have it replaced. To reassemble, wrap the splines on the inner end of the axleshaft with electrical or duct tape to protect the boots, then slide the clamps and boots onto the axleshaft, placing the tripod on the shaft and installing a new snap-ring. Apply grease to the tripod assembly and inside the housing, insert the tripod into the housing, and pack the remainder of the grease around it. Ensure the boots are seated in their respective grooves on the axleshaft, position the inner CV joint midway through its range of travel, equalize the pressure in the boot, and tighten the boot clamps. The CV Boot is now ready for installation.

Check for free play by rocking the steering wheel, indicating worn components. Excessive body movement or binding when turning may suggest faulty steering or suspension. Test shock absorbers by pushing down each vehicle corner. Replace shocks if it doesn't level within two bounces. Raise the vehicle on jack stands. Check tires for wear and inflation. Inspect the universal joint for damage and the steering linkage for looseness. Test ball joints by moving each lower arm. Check ball joint boots for damage. Replace if needed. Clean CV boots to prevent deterioration. Inspect CV boots for damage. Replace if necessary.