I have a 2010 Corolla and it has 127,000 miles on it. I have been the only owner since day 1, i bought it brand new.
I noticed that the driver's side axle boot is slightly leaking. It isn't dripping down, and there is no grease on my driveway. The grease is on the boot.
Should the axle be replaced or does the poor bastard still have a little bit of life left?
The car still drives great, no alignment problem, no vibration, or shaking, no nothing.
please see pics below
https://www.toyotanation.com/attachments/downdddddddload-jpg.410209/
https://www.toyotanation.com/attachments/downlrrrrrrrrrrroad-jpg.410210/
It looks like the boot is cracked. The CV joint may last for a while longer but the boot will continue to deteriorate, letting more grease out and road grime in, leading to failure. Time for a new axle.
"Should the axle be replaced or does the poor bastard still have a little bit of life left?" Yes and yes.
That boot isn't going to heal itself, but it's a pretty small leak. If you want to wait a couple months, probably not a problem, just listen for any grinding, especially when turning. But I'd plan to do it sooner than later, I have too many other things to worry about!
I don't know what you did between the before and after photos. They look almost the same.
But anyway, monitor the axle for clunking or play. It could last several months like that depending on how long it's been that way. No panic, but put replacement on your to-do list and fix when convenient. Do not buy cheap one or you'll end up worse off than with the worn originals.
