The dealer reported it leaking to me a few months ago and I remember looking up what it would take to change it along with what symptoms it might have. This is my son's car who is in college so I'm trying to keep it working for him. Right now it makes no noise when normally driving, but introduces some noise only when the steering wheel is turned all the way to the left edge. I don't tend to typically force a steering wheel edge to edge when driving, so I'm not I would have even noticed the noise. I think the repair is a bit beyond my capability though I've watched a few YT videos showing it being done. My questions are:

Q#1 - Unless I am doing a hard left turn (which is often not necessary), it makes zero noise. Any thoughts on how many miles it will go without being replaced? Is there any risks to not immediately replacing it? Will it get much noisier before any type of failure?

Q#2 - If I do have these replaced, are there other parts that I should consider replacing at the same time? Wheel bearings? Front struts? Something else? It has 130K on it.

Q#3 - Are there any other things I need to know? Avoid remanufactured CV axles, etc?

I appreciate the help!

 

This is one of those things where you bite the bullet and only use the OEM part. I've seen too many issues with auto parts store axle brands to ever go near them again. My mechanic made the mistake of ordering one for me years ago to save me some money. It was being replaced three days later with an OEM one due to failing. AS far as driving on it for a bit more, it won't cause other parts to fail early unless you let it get really bad and yes it'll start making more noise as time goes on. It will spray leaking grease all over the underside of the car until it runs out and them start grinding even under normal driving so it should be taken care of sooner than later.

At 130K I would probably look into changing the shock/struts all around, but test them first to see if they need it. Also have the engine mounts checked out, along with all the other rubber bits, as they are getting to the age where they can start wearing out.

 

I appreciate it Greg; thank you!