Replacement Axles from Insane Shafts - Thoughts?
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Replacement Axles from Insane Shafts - Thoughts?
After 125,000 miles and 11 years, it sounds like one of my CV axles on my stock 2005 5AT TL (no mods, axles are original from when I bought the TL from the dealer in 2005) has started to go since I'm getting the dreaded clicking noise when I make a u-turn.
I've decided it would be best to replace both axles since if one has gone bad, the other likely isn't that far behind simply due to age and mileage.
After searching other posts, I'd like to avoid aftermarket axles because of their hit-and-miss quality. However, the lowest price I could find on the OEMs at this time is approximately $1000 for both left and right axles.
Looking around some more, I came across some axles that Heeltoe Automotive sells from Insane Shafts. From what I could tell off both Heeltoe's website and Insane Shafts's website, I believe the axles for the 2005 5AT TL are IS-075 (left) and IS-076 (right). Granted I don't take my TL racing (except for accelerating onto the freeway when I need to), so I presume the 500 hp levels are overkill for a stock application replacement in typical driving conditions. But the price is significantly better than what I could find for OEM.
I couldn't find much regarding feedback/experience with Insane Shafts, so I figured I'd ask if anyone has installed them on their 3G TL and how they like them.
Also, I'm concerned that there is no vibration damper on the aftermarket axles. How much vibration can I expect while driving/accelerating? (If I do get the Insane Shafts and vibration is a concern, can I do anything to dampen the vibration? Can a damper be installed?)
Thanks - looking forward to your responses! (And, please no responses that only state "Get Raxles" and nothing else. I'll contact them myself in a couple of days.)
I've decided it would be best to replace both axles since if one has gone bad, the other likely isn't that far behind simply due to age and mileage.
After searching other posts, I'd like to avoid aftermarket axles because of their hit-and-miss quality. However, the lowest price I could find on the OEMs at this time is approximately $1000 for both left and right axles.
Looking around some more, I came across some axles that Heeltoe Automotive sells from Insane Shafts. From what I could tell off both Heeltoe's website and Insane Shafts's website, I believe the axles for the 2005 5AT TL are IS-075 (left) and IS-076 (right). Granted I don't take my TL racing (except for accelerating onto the freeway when I need to), so I presume the 500 hp levels are overkill for a stock application replacement in typical driving conditions. But the price is significantly better than what I could find for OEM.
I couldn't find much regarding feedback/experience with Insane Shafts, so I figured I'd ask if anyone has installed them on their 3G TL and how they like them.
Also, I'm concerned that there is no vibration damper on the aftermarket axles. How much vibration can I expect while driving/accelerating? (If I do get the Insane Shafts and vibration is a concern, can I do anything to dampen the vibration? Can a damper be installed?)
Thanks - looking forward to your responses! (And, please no responses that only state "Get Raxles" and nothing else. I'll contact them myself in a couple of days.)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,249
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OEM axles should be the cheapest option...
raxles will be about 520 if you have usable core returns...680 if you don't.
Raxles do use better grease and boot rubber...but the joint is the same.
Good luck!
I think OEM should run you no more than 300 or so for both.
raxles will be about 520 if you have usable core returns...680 if you don't.
Raxles do use better grease and boot rubber...but the joint is the same.
Good luck!
I think OEM should run you no more than 300 or so for both.
Oem for 04-06 models are about $450- $500 a piece.
found that out a few months ago when I had to change out my passenger side. 04-06 owners are getting hosed.
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The cost of the OEM axles doubled because of new production as the old stock was depleted, and with the
hit/miss of aftermarket units, it would be wise to replace the boots when they become compromised, if one
has the ability to do so. Boots can be had for @ $15 each, but it takes time to do the removal, cleaning,
greasing, and replacement.
On the daughter's 2000 Maxima, replaced the outer boots as soon as deterioration noticed, and with 260,000 miles
the car has the same axle, but once the again the boots are showing their age as the rubber has hairline cracks
but no ruptures. She just purchased an Audi so I won't need to climb under the Maxima anymore.
People that have the '07/'08 better buy the OEM shafts while the price is still low.
hit/miss of aftermarket units, it would be wise to replace the boots when they become compromised, if one
has the ability to do so. Boots can be had for @ $15 each, but it takes time to do the removal, cleaning,
greasing, and replacement.
On the daughter's 2000 Maxima, replaced the outer boots as soon as deterioration noticed, and with 260,000 miles
the car has the same axle, but once the again the boots are showing their age as the rubber has hairline cracks
but no ruptures. She just purchased an Audi so I won't need to climb under the Maxima anymore.
People that have the '07/'08 better buy the OEM shafts while the price is still low.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,249
Likes: 20,202
6 MT axles (L&R) will fit '04-'08 TL/TLS.
'07-'08 5AT axles will fit '07-'08 TL/TLS
'04-'06 5AT only fit '04-'06 TL and Honda Accord '03-'07
'07-'08 5AT axles will fit '07-'08 TL/TLS
'04-'06 5AT only fit '04-'06 TL and Honda Accord '03-'07
Last edited by Turbonut; Aug 10, 2016 at 07:02 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 21,416
Likes: 2,187
From: Space Coast, FL
Spoke to Marty on the phone from raxles.com and he has 1-2 sets in stock. You can only send in factory axles (no aftermarkets) and he does not accept any axles if you live in an area where the roads are salted; great for southern folks!
Pricing:
$220 if you send back factory axle (each)
$299 if you do not send back the old axle or it is heavily damaged (each)
Prices do not include shipping. I'm ordering a set in the next few days. Way better than acura's $450 each or the garbage autozone ones. He doesn't make much money off the axles since he uses parts from the USA so not much of a chance on a group buy! Only reason why I am posting this is because he;s a great guy to deal with and out of the 10 or so folks that I've seen with raxles, each and every one has been more than happy.
Pricing:
$220 if you send back factory axle (each)
$299 if you do not send back the old axle or it is heavily damaged (each)
Prices do not include shipping. I'm ordering a set in the next few days. Way better than acura's $450 each or the garbage autozone ones. He doesn't make much money off the axles since he uses parts from the USA so not much of a chance on a group buy! Only reason why I am posting this is because he;s a great guy to deal with and out of the 10 or so folks that I've seen with raxles, each and every one has been more than happy.
Last edited by csmeance; Aug 10, 2016 at 03:35 PM.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 21,416
Likes: 2,187
From: Space Coast, FL
The largest failure that can happen is the joint where the axle damper is rusts and it snaps in half leaving your car susceptible to rolling away (won't stay in park) along with misc suspension and body damage when it breaks.
If you have any signs of failure you should get new ones before it breaks and you are stranded.
^^ thanks...any trends on what mileage these things tend to go (i know it varies depending on a lot of conditions, but is this like a 100k thing or 150k thing, 200k thing, etc)?
Normally the boot(s) rip, dirt contaminates the CV joint, then it goes downhill from there.
If the boots are replaced as soon as deterioration noticed, the axles should last a lifetime unless one drives like a maniac as
most of the driving is in a straight line and no pressure on the CV joints.
As stated earlier, the daughter's Maxima has 260k miles on the original axles and on our '08 knock around car, just passed 250k miles,
no problems and haven't needed to replace the boots, still good as new.
If the boots are replaced as soon as deterioration noticed, the axles should last a lifetime unless one drives like a maniac as
most of the driving is in a straight line and no pressure on the CV joints.
As stated earlier, the daughter's Maxima has 260k miles on the original axles and on our '08 knock around car, just passed 250k miles,
no problems and haven't needed to replace the boots, still good as new.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 21,416
Likes: 2,187
From: Space Coast, FL
Normally the boot(s) rip, dirt contaminates the CV joint, then it goes downhill from there.
If the boots are replaced as soon as deterioration noticed, the axles should last a lifetime unless one drives like a maniac as
most of the driving is in a straight line and no pressure on the CV joints.
As stated earlier, the daughter's Maxima has 260k miles on the original axles and on our '08 knock around car, just passed 250k miles,
no problems and haven't needed to replace the boots, still good as new.
If the boots are replaced as soon as deterioration noticed, the axles should last a lifetime unless one drives like a maniac as
most of the driving is in a straight line and no pressure on the CV joints.
As stated earlier, the daughter's Maxima has 260k miles on the original axles and on our '08 knock around car, just passed 250k miles,
no problems and haven't needed to replace the boots, still good as new.
however hitting potholes and other road debris can shorten the life of axles as well!
hadn't had the boot torn, joint became contaminated and subsequently was ruined.