Quote:
Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby
Both my outer front CV axle boots were R&R'ed with fresh boots, completely disassembled, cleaned of old grease and reassembled with all new grease for approx 1.5 hours per side taking my time.
Only thing needed is remove brake disc, caliper, axle nut, press out axle from hub, and disconnect bottom 2 strut bolts. Pop outer joint off the axle and leave the axle shaft and inner joint installed on vehicle.
Doing it right isn't an insane amount of time IMO (I'm sure a BMW mechanic or experienced shop can do it faster than I can) and the time you will use waiting for glue to cure and cleaning every speck of a mm to be sure the seam is glued properly isn't worth it.
This is coming from a highly successful and regarded Axle shop who supplies with rock solid replacement axles:
Split Boots for CV Axles Explained - Raxles Inc. |
You are one of the supremely fortunate ones who was able to take your axle out from the hub. If you didn't run out and buy a lottery ticket, you should have, because MANY of us, as documented through this very long thread, weren't so lucky. I tugged, pried, pounded, and swore at mine for many hours before finally and reluctantly giving up, but not before trying every tip, trick, and suggestion in this thread first. Taking the axle out from the inside, which I and the rest of the unlucky ones had to do, easily quintuples the time it takes to replace the boots. Makes the split boot idea very tempting, despite the drawbacks stated in the link you provided. Thankfully, my (not-so-new anymore) boots are holding up, but if one of them splits again, there's no way I'm going to go through the axle removal ordeal again.