The 2006 X5 3.0i 6spMT with 142K miles has a crack in Left OUTER boot.

- I plan to do it the old-school way (removing the axle from the car and replace both inner and outer boots with GKN brand (already bought the parts).

- While there, I plan to replace the axle seals too.

Question:
===> Do I need to remove the bottom aluminum plate?

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1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT