CV Boot Repair

[tomsawyer]

Hi Everyone - I just had an oil change completed on my X5 N62 w/ 79k and the mechanic noticed the the driver's side outer CV boot is ripped so obviously we need to do the repair.

Now, I am no way mechanically inclined so I need someone to do this job and got quoted by a local BMW indy $600. Seems like a lot of $ to me. So, I have this Mercedes indy who's very good. I spoke to him about the job and he's will to do it but he said he remembered from an X3 that he had an issue because the "axle needed to be removed" and he didn't have a special tool?

Guys, like I said I'm not technical at all but is there a special tool need to get the outer CV Boot/axle off to do this job?

Thanks to all who answer.

[OptimusPriM5]

There are multiple threads on this in this forum with DIY quoting 30min timeframe, short answer is NO you dont have to remove the axle

[SlickGT1]

Even if the axle has to be removed, it doesn't need any special tools, that any mechanic doesn't already poses.

[David.X5]

Second that. Easy to do either the 30-min way or the book way with conventional tools. He might be politely trying to back out of his commitment for whatever reason. I wouldn't push him at this point, but do call around to other trusted Indys for a better quote.

[upallnight]

There are several way to remove and replace the CV joint axle boot.

You can remove the axle off the car and replace the boot on the bench.

You can pull the cv joint off the upright and use a special tool to pull the cv joint off the axle and then replace the boot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOh43Wkmqnc

You can separate the axle from the inner joint and remove the tripod joint from the axle and then replace the axle boot.

[tomsawyer]

Originally Posted by David.X5

Second that. Easy to do either the 30-min way or the book way with conventional tools. He might be politely trying to back out of his commitment for whatever reason. I wouldn't push him at this point, but do call around to other trusted Indys for a better quote.

Hey everyone, thanks for all the feedback. I really don't think he's trying to get out of the repair - money is money. I just think he was being cautious based on the X3 experience. This guy's a very experienced mechanic but he just happens to specialize in Mercedes. As such, he may not be aware of certain specifics regarding this CV boot procedure.

For instance, I needed a CV boot on a MB e430 4matic and he literally did it in 10 minutes - totally straightforward.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by tomsawyer

Hey everyone, thanks for all the feedback. I really don't think he's trying to get out of the repair - money is money. I just think he was being cautious based on the X3 experience. This guy's a very experienced mechanic but he just happens to specialize in Mercedes. As such, he may not be aware of certain specifics regarding this CV boot procedure.

For instance, I needed a CV boot on a MB e430 4matic and he literally did it in 10 minutes - totally straightforward.

If he is a pro, and does this for a living, he will have no issues with the e53 at all. Seriously, this will be nothing new to him at all.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

If he is a pro, and does this for a living, he will have no issues with the e53 at all. Seriously, this will be nothing new to him at all.

The labor isn't difficult... just a little time consuming. It's not easy to manhandle suspension sections on an e53. The axle doesn't need to be removed from the vehicle and no special tool is needed to perform the service. What does the $600 quote from the indy include? Just the boot replacement?

How much less will this Mercedes indy charge? I couldn't imagine him charging less than $450 for the boot replacement using aftermarket parts.

[tomsawyer]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

The labor isn't difficult... just a little time consuming. It's not easy to manhandle suspension sections on an e53. The axle doesn't need to be removed from the vehicle and no special tool is needed to perform the service. What does the $600 quote from the indy include? Just the boot replacement?

How much less will this Mercedes indy charge? I couldn't imagine him charging less than $450 for the boot replacement using aftermarket parts.

Thanks for the info.

The BMW indy was charging for the boot plus labor. I think his price was very high unless I'm missing something as I'm not sure how many hrs the job calls for. I can't imagine what his per hr rate is but let's say he was gonna charge me a $100 for the boot, then he wanted 5 hours labor? Not sure.

With the Mercedes indy, I got the part from my local BMW dealer. The "kit" cost $41 which included the lube and the clamps. I'm not sure how much this guy's gonna charge me but I'll let everyone know when I pick up the truck tonight.

Thanks

[SlickGT1]

i just called a random indy here in Brooklyn, $120 labor. WTF is your guy even charging that price for?