Rebuilding axles/noise damper,

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by BrakeMyPrius, Jun 11, 2026 at 11:09 PM.

  1. BrakeMyPrius

    BrakeMyPrius New Member

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    I took apart my old and new axle. My main question is why the new axle doesn't have the same range of motion, should I just use the old axle/bearings? I've come this far...
     

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    #1 BrakeMyPrius, Jun 11, 2026 at 11:09 PM
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If you have the time and patience and special tools like boot clamp crimpers, rebuilding an original Toyota axle is thrifty, and leaves you with a better axle than an aftermarket replacement.

    Bob Wilson often reposts the three things you usually get to choose two of: good, fast, cheap.

    New Toyota axle: good, fast

    New aftermarket axle: fast, cheap

    Rebuild your own Toyota axle: good, cheap (cheap if you're equipped for it; less so if you have to buy the tools)
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Jun 12, 2026 at 8:52 AM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    The Car Care Nut has a very thorough video on rebuilding the original driveshaft, and he repeatedly advocates rebuilding, due to shortcomings of aftermarket replacements. IIRC it’s not a Prius driveshaft he’s rebuilding, but still worth a watch:



    full disclosure: never attempted this myself.

    (reported post to wrong forum, mod can fix)
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jun 12, 2026 at 9:47 AM
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2026 at 9:52 AM
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