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What brand to purchase TransAxles from?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ana Hernandez, Mar 12, 2016.

  1. Ana Hernandez

    Ana Hernandez Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello,

    I've had some experiences already with different brands while purchasing Axles left & right/CV joints. Not even the original ones in the car had sign of a bad axle, boot in perfect condition, joints covered same for every other brand I bought after the first ones "went bad" (noticed thru symp. Of vibration at high speeds, clank when turn left or right & when accelerating). No physical noticeable defect, but I still hear clunks ONLY when accelerating, decelerating, braking, or releasing the brake, accelerating on hill or going back on a hill. Since people keep on suggesting they're bad CV joints, my question is:

    What brand should I buy for people that be been thru this? Because Toyota wants the charge me around $3,000 for both sides. Any other less expensive trustworthy alternative brand?
     
    #1 Ana Hernandez, Mar 12, 2016
  2. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Five
    Will you be doing the work yourself? OEM Toyota parts HERE are $750 for both sides.

    A little pricey, but of known good quality.
     
    #2 tvpierce, Mar 12, 2016
  3. Ana Hernandez

    Ana Hernandez Junior Member

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    Im
    I'm either doing it myself or having my mechanic do it. But I search it for my 04 on the link you provided and they don't add up for $750 to me, more like $900.
     
    #3 Ana Hernandez, Mar 12, 2016
  4. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    43420 Drive Shaft Assy/LH: $350.46
    43410 Drive Shaft Assy/RH: $400.47

    Also available at NAPA Auto Parts: $104. But I can't vouch for the quality of the NAPA parts. In my experience, NAPA offers more consistent quality than most of the other chains. But it varies from part to part.
     
    #4 tvpierce, Mar 13, 2016
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    Prime Premium
    when cv axles go bad, they rattle while turning. a clunk is more likely from a bad motor mount, although someone had a counter weight break off the rear motor mount and it got stuck and was causing a clunk.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Mar 13, 2016
  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    "Most" of the time, the cheap ones at auto parts stores are regrinds. Only use "regrinds" if you're planning to get rid of your vehicle in a year...or less.
     
    #6 frodoz737, Mar 13, 2016
  7. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Location:
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    2013 Prius v wagon
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    Five
    I did notice at the NAPA site that they had remans for about $75. The parts specified as "new" are $104.
     
    #7 tvpierce, Mar 13, 2016
  8. lar.smith42

    lar.smith42 Active Member

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    I just had to replace my left front axle assembly about 6 mo. ago . ( extended warranty paid for it. ) It made a clunk when turning not a rattle. boot got knocked off and burnt up bearing.
     
    #8 lar.smith42, Mar 14, 2016
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