Replacing: Front Sway Bar End Links / Front Passenger CV Axle (Boot Torn) / New Tires

Tiny
CAPDL
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 TOYOTA AVALON
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
So it was recommended that I replace the front Sway Bar End Links, Front Passenger CV Axle (Boot is torn) and to buy a new set of tires. Unfortunately, I can't pay for all of this right now, so if I was to tackle them in order, which one should I fix first? My gut tells me the CV Axle and/or Sway Bar Links should be first but I was told I could go on with them in the current state for a little while longer. Car drives fine but you can feel knocks when going over bumps and taking turns.

Thanks!
capdl
Monday, May 18th, 2015 AT 11:51 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,870 POSTS
The anti-sway bar links aren't a major safety issue. In fact, a couple of decades ago most cars didn't even have anti-sway bars. The tires are the biggest safety-related item but that's a judgement call based on multiple factors such as how much tread is left, alignment wear patterns, and whether one has a broken belt.

On some domestic cars the outer cv joint boots can be replaced rather easily and inexpensively, and if that's done right away you can save the joint. That job is not so easy on Toyotas, plus, the cost of a remanufactured half shaft has come down a lot, so if you're going to go that route, it can wait quite a while. The torn boot will allow water and dirt to get into the joint, and it will let the grease spray out. The first sign you'll have is a clicking sound when turning and usually when backing up. That will take many months to show up.
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Monday, May 18th, 2015 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
CAPDL
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Thank you so much!
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Monday, May 18th, 2015 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
ENGINE JOE 26
  • MECHANIC
  • 19 POSTS
In terms of safety, depending on how worn your tires are (if really worn) I would replace tires, and end links first, as road handling is crucial for safety. Followed by cv axle, as if the boot is just torn, these can live a while as long as the u joint inside hasn't gone.
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 AT 1:27 AM

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