Quote:
Originally Posted by rdeyoung
Yes! One of the CV boots is torn badly (the other one is fine). I cant remember if it is the right or the left - but the mechanic pointed it out to me and mentioned that its easier to replace the whole axle instead of repairing the boot 
How much should a new axle job generally run? I think he quoted me close to $1K for an OE (not bmw brand) axle. 
Would that be whats causing all this noise? Last night was the worst, it started going crazy! It happens only when I turn right sharply and this time it was going berserk even standing still.
Thanks again guys! |
yes, if the axle boot is torn badly and you have been driving with it, better to replace the joint/axle instead of just the boot, the existing outer joint is most likely already damaged somewhat!
You have 3 options (or more) for replacement, in my opinion:
1) Keep existing axle, buy new outer CV joint ($179 from BMW) and OEM GKN Loebro boot kit ($15), replace outer joint and boot on axle (approx. $200 plus labor)
2) Replace axle with aftermarket axle readily available at Napa/RockAuto, Cardone Select comes up a lot on these forums, and I don't know how they do this but they sell completely new Chinese made axles for under $50 PER SIDE, if you replace the side with a Cardone one, I'd recommend doing both so both sides are "fresh"
3) If it were my car, and I had a leaking boot already which meant axle replacement, I would get a replacement axle from Raxles (
www.raxles.com) they manufacture racing and OE replacement axles using OE cores and brand NEW inner and outer joints, boots, clips, etc, and extremely high quality grease. I had both replaced with Raxles on my VW, phenomenal quality. They run about $250 per side for our X5's with no core charge (though you still have to send back a core I believe). You can also get OEM GKN Loebro axles for just under $300 per side as well.