cost of replacing car axle shafts?

[Pyramix]

I have a 92 Toyota Camry, and when I took into a repairshop for an oil change this weekend, they told me that both the front CV axle shafts need to be replaced. They are quoting me $400 to fix it. Does this price seem right?

 

[Pyramix]

bump for the day

 

[NutBucket]

Why do they need to be replaced? Do they just need new boots?

 

[Pyramix]

To put it in the mechanic's exact words...."they're busted." He said they were leaking something or something like that.

I just wanna make sure that I am not getting gypped.

 

[CombatChuk]

Well, the boot helps stop the problem before it's too late. But if everytime you do a U-turn and your car sounds like a bunch of tap dancers, then it is time to replace the shafts. If you do it yourself, it should be about $70 per side if you give the old ones back to them.

 

[KLin]

is it the shafts or the cv joints? cv joints have boots to protect them too. When they start to go bad, they usually make a clunking sort of noise when making turns. I'd find out more information before letting them do any work though.

 

[Carrot44]

That is way high. Get a second opinion.

Are they making noises? or clattering when you turn? If not they are probably good and just need boots. But do call around. Even in my little town they are about 135 or so each at a shop.

Ken

 

[phantom309]

It takes almost as much labor to replace the boots as it does to replace the joints themselves - and once those boots tear, road grit will contaminate the joint and it won't last long. Unless you know the tear is very, very recent it's best to do it all at once. $400 seems reasonable (if not a bargain) to do both axles. I'd pay that much if I knew they'd do quality work.

 

[bmacd]

where's Quix and Rog ?

-=bmacd=-

 

[Pyramix]

Originally posted by: Carrot39
That is way high. Get a second opinion.

Are they making noises? or clattering when you turn? If not they are probably good and just need boots. But do call around. Even in my little town they are about 135 or so each at a shop.

Ken

Hmm....that's not so bad then. $135 per axle shaft = $270 for parts and approx. $130 for labor.

I don't her any noise when I turn. They said I could probably go another 3000 miles before I see the problem. So, I have time to look around and see if I can find a better deal.

BTW, they also quoted me $275 to retro-fit my "old-style" AC for the new freon. That includes the cost of about 2.5 lbs. of freon for the AC. Does that sound reasonable?

 

[Bulk Beef]

I had it done on my 90 Camry last year - labor was $65, shaft was $120. One side, obviously. They're not out of line.

 

[notfred]

$400 is not "way high" for replacing CV joints. Seems pretty average to me.

 

[BadNewsBears]

Maybe 1 and a half fours per side in labor. 65-75 in parts per side. Figure it out.

 

[Pyramix]

Originally posted by: Munchies
Maybe 1 and a half fours per side in labor. 65-75 in parts per side. Figure it out.

Where are you getting these numbers from, Munchies? Are you saying that's what it'd cost if I did it myself? Is it possible for me to do it myself (without any equipment)? I don't know much about cars.

 

[db]

If that's the total cost, it's not unreasonable.
As the post above said, b/c of the labor cost of just replacing the boots they might as well just plug in two rebuilt half-shafts.

 

[NutBucket]

Parts should be way under $100 per axle. $400 definitely seems high to me.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I'd just ignore it till they do start clicking and even then its not an emergency that has to be fixed right away.

 

[Pyramix]

Yeah, I think I'll do that for the time being. What about the AC unit being retrofitted though? Does $275 sound reasonable for that?

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
I'd just ignore it till they do start clicking and even then its not an emergency that has to be fixed right away.