[Thepeug]

I haven't posted here in a looong time, but with a week off of school for spring break, I've decided to freshen up the old rex. I need a few parts, but I'd like to know where to get them. I'm looking for a place that's relatively cheap, yet reputable. I need the following parts:

1) Rear brake calipers (both sides). Autozone quoted me $110 for each.

2) Front CV boots (both sides). Should I replace the boots, or just source a whole front axle?

3) Minor rust repair on rear quarter panels. I've been looking at something called "Rust Bullet" that claims no prep is necessary. Has anyone had experience with this product?

Link: http://rustbullet.com/Products/Automoti ... motive.htm

I found calipers and CV boots on Ebay for dirt cheap. Would you trust Ebaymotors, or just go to a store?

Thanks!

Chris

 

[bobski]

CV boots vs. Replacement axles really depends on how long the joints have been exposed to the environment. If dirt and grit has gotten into the joint, it will wear on the parts and be very difficult to completely flush out. If a joint clicks when you go around turns, it's toast. Even if you manage to completely flush it out, new grease won't fix the damage to the joint's internal parts. It will at least click until you replace the joint... It may even continue to wear due to the extra free play in the parts.
If you keep driving on an axle with an open joint, the axle will eventually lock up. If you're driving down the road at the time, the associated wheel will lock and start skidding, doing who-knows-what to the car's controlability.
IIRC, rebuilt axles can be had for $80-100 a piece.
Honda sells a CV boot rebuild kit for $40-50 that includes both boots (inner and outer), the metal straps for the boots, proper grease for both joints, the snap rings for the inner joint (you have to take the inner joint apart to replace either of the boots) and a new spindle nut.

 

[Ragnaarok]

on the rust repair issue, I've not used that product, but have used something called "chassis saver" which after looking at the website you provided seems to be very similar. used it on a truck and a really old rusty trailer. Worked great.

So I'd say go for it. BTW, the site says "little to no prep" not "no prep"

It'll probably work better if you still do some elbow work on the panels before spraying. I don't care what miracle product you have, surface prep is still going to be a major factor in priming/painting.

Have fun on your spring break!

 

[Thepeug]

Thanks for the tips. Bobski: you mentioned rebuilt axles for $100; can I get one from Honda, or would I have to go somewhere else? I noticed the ripped boot about three months ago, so it's been exposed for at least that long. I haven't heard a clicking noise yet, but I'd rather play it safe and just replace the whole axle. Like you said, it's an involved job anyway; changing the boot only to have to have the whole thing lock up on me would not be fun.

Rag,

Sounds good. I'll give Rust Bullet a try. It's only $8.99 for a 1/4 pint, so I don't have have much to lose!

 

[bobski]

you mentioned rebuilt axles for $100; can I get one from Honda, or would I have to go somewhere else?

Actually, I was referring to aftermarket axles, but i just did a little poking around and found rebuilt axles from Honda for $122.94 + $50 core/side.
Brand new Honda driveshafts appear to run about $310/side.

 

[Ti Rider]

For axles I highly recommend - Raxles. Give Marty a call and he'll fix you up with OEM quality axles for around $110 per side. Raxles uses brand new CV joints, super high grade boots, the only part they reuse in their axles are the steel shafts. If you can't tell I'm happy with mine.....