I went looking for trouble and I found it. I was inspecting a broken lug nut issue. I noticed there was a little grease splatter under the car. To my surprise I found the driver rear axle boot is just slightly torn slinging grease everywhere. Should I replace the boot or replace the whole axle? Good news there isn't any clunking or anything like that or grinding or noise at all.

 

Thank your lucky stars you found this before the CV joint completely broke down and stranded you on the road. I'd suggest replacing the axle rather than just fixing the CV joint itself. You'll still need to replace the broken lug nut, so pulling the axle and replacing it will make for a more complete repair.

 

100% so my thought is replace them both. Get the axle upgrade while I am there .. lol ya know.

 

If you caught it early enough, you could simply buy a new axle boot and re-grease the joint. To be clear this option assumes that sand and road debris hasn't contaminated & damaged the joint. If you go for a full replacement, just know that most aftermarket axle options are nowhere near the quality of the "made in Japan" originals. If you decide to upgrade to the 370Z axles and hubs, I recommend searching Ebay for a set of OEM low mileage used 370Z axles. You can find them cheaper vs. new aftermarkets and I can almost guarantee they will outlast aftermarket options. This is what I did when I upgraded to 370Z bearings/hubs + axles. The only aftermarket component I used was the hardware kit from Z1 (nuts + bolts + washers). Note: I did not use the NVA wheel bearings/hubs, I stuck with the Genuine Nissan Parts.

New Genuine OEM 370Z axles are over $1k per side. NVA (Nissan Value Advantage) axles don't have the best reputation. For the uninformed, NVA parts are essentially Nissan approved aftermarket parts, and the prices reflect this.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

I was debating weather i should buy the kit from Z1 or juat find a decent set of used ones .. I have actually found a couple sets used in my area for less than 300 bucks ..

 

Just a quick question to Icer; are you saying that the 370Z axles/components will fit a 03 350z? Not questioning your comments, just trying to educate myself for future reference.

 

When ordered my rear axle for my 350z the box came labled for a 370z I call ask asked of I received the wrong part by mistake.. and they did tell me the 370z axels wont fit the 350z ... and they gave me a Nissan advantage part I guess OEM one.

 

Yes, that's what I'm saying. You need to do a little research though because there are some differences in the axles between 370Z years & if the donor was equipped with an AT or 6MT.

I've been running the 370Z axles in my 06 350Z for over a year now without issues.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

ahhhh maybe i will get some as back up parts

 

You will have to change your hub to the stronger 370z hub, and you should also add a hub spacer to accomodate the longer 370Z axle. the axles are not interchangeable, but they can be installed when paired with the hubs for a significant upgrade.

 

that is something I in fact didn't pay attention to. I think they assumed, I did the hub upgrade which is why they sent me a 370z axel.