Quote:
Originally Posted by trader4
If your CV joint is kaput because the boot has been torn for a long time or it's otherwise failed, making noise, etc then replacing it is in order...
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1+,
CV Joint in any car will easily last some 400K if the CV Boot is not cracked, allowing dirt to get in!
I know a VW Passat owner with 400K on stock GKN CV Joint. This happens b/c he routinely replaces the boot every 60K-80K, at the first sign of minor cracks.
Most people don't bother looking at the wheel well once a week. If you do, you will spot the grease from a broken CV boot in a second. By the time noise is there, the CV Joint is damaged, a new axle is needed.
And yes, stick to GKN or used BMW axle (junk yard or ebay). The stuff you get from local auto parts store is another story. If you get the ebay or junak yard axles, inspect the boots and replace with GKN boot (don't use EMPI or Rein boots!).
In many cases, if you disconnect the INNER CV Joint, it is a much easier process than d/c the OUTER CV Joint.