Botched CV Axle install at local shop

Hey Everyone,

I had to breakdown and take my truck to a local shop to replace a CV axle because I didn't have the time to DIY. However, I'm now wishing I had just made the time in my schedule. As you can see from the pics, it looks like the mechanic tried to pry the old CV axle off and chipped away part of the front diff. The mechanic didn't report this and I only noticed it after I got home and crawled under the truck to inspect the work. The axle seal is clearly leaking and the shop has agreed to do the work/replace the axle seal. However, I am concerned about the "broken" housing. I'm hoping to get some input from the community.

Do I have a valid concern?
What do y'all think about the long term issues/likelihood of issues with that seal due to the damage to the cast aluminum?
What do y'all this is reasonable for me to ask of the local shop?

Also forgive my ignorance what I am calling a housing is likely part of the front differential.

Just for reference this is the passenger side CV Axle

2016 Tundra Dbl Cab 5.7

 

I would absolutely be concerned with that and pissed it wasn’t mentioned to me, because there is no way the tech that did this job didn’t see it.

Furthermore, if the damage was there previously, which I doubt it was, they definitely would have told you.

Luckily (for them) that portion of the front differential is separate and can be sourced without replacing the entire front differential.

I wouldn’t settle for less than them replacing that axle housing and I’d never use them again.

 

This^^^^^^^

 

Agree

 

That’s what happens when they try to remove the axle with a pry bar or screwdriver.

 

Are you going to trust them to install the new diff extension? My only concern would be that it would allow dirt/mud to get to the seal and potentially cause the seal to fail. Structurally I wouldn’t be concerned about it.

 

that seal will probably always leak unless the broken housing is replaced.

 

Shade Tree shop. Go for their throat
Paul

 

I'll be that guy. That doesn't look like fresh damage at all to me. And as to the point about if it was there previously they would have told you? Nonsense. They should have told you, but that's not saying much.

In any case, good luck proving they did it and getting them to do something about it.

 

Totally agree!! I would make the old axle housing the mechanics new boyfriend for trying to hide it. Many folks do not inspect after a service so you are lucky you caught it that soon. Obviously the leak would have brought it to any customers attention but trying to screw people when you made a mistake and you are too stupid to own your own mistake

 

Same thing happened to me a few years ago, but mine wasn't going in for the axle. I originally had the truck in to install some used TRD Pro take off front shocks I had picked up. During the install the shop damaged my axle boot. The shop ordered an aftermarket axle (which I wasn't happy with since I only had 30k miles on my truck at the time). They attempted to swap the axle and gouged the housing without saying anything about it. I picked it up and drove to work and when I exited the truck I noticed fluid dripping on the ground. Took it straight back and they attempted to fix it by replacing the seal. It still leaked. They then ordered a new OEM seal from Toyota. It still leaked...By this point I was very upset. I had the manager order me a new OEM Toyota axle and seal and I had the shop pay Toyota to do the work. No more leak after that. Apparently, the other shop didn't press the seal in far enough when it was installed causing the leak. There is a specific depth the seal needs to be at. I still have the roughed up housing, but Toyota said it isn't any major concern as the seal is farther back in the tube. This was the first and only time I had my truck serviced outside of the dealership for a repair. The shop should have used a slide hammer to remove the seal, not a prybar or screwdriver. I think your issue is the same as mine and the seal needs to be looked at. I don't think the housing has anything to do with the leak based on my experience. I'm guessing that the seal isn't seated correctly causing your leak.

 

My local guy had a helper bust mine during the removal process too. There's really no other way to remove the CV. He immediately ordered a new tube to replace and fixed it. According to him, it wasn't losing fluid.

 

Looks like an old break to me. If seal edge fits flush go with it.

 

There is. At the dealership we use a slide hammer with an adaptor or in most cases a large punch and a BFH to drive the CV axle off the end. If you're prying, you're breaking

 

Slide hammer was the best way for me. I tried a punch for a while, but without a lift it is really hard to get enough umph in it. I used a hook adapter and a hose clamp to hold the adapter on. There is a very convenient groove on the CV that the hose clamp fits in.


FWIW, I’d be livid if a shop did this, inexcusable.