20k miles both front cv boots going bad

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by omodos

Hello all, changed em at 20 & 21k miles ago, one side is a febi and the other gbk lobro, both are crap! and perishing already, cannot believe the lifespan of these things. And although my mechanic can knock em on and off in no time he charges a an arm and a leg to do so, just what I need at christmas.....images are when from when the car is on a jack during front tire changes.....but perished they are.....any recommendations on better quality type? or patching up current ones to last a little until i get to mechanic?

Looks more like dried on mud that cracked, and not the rubber itself that is cracking.

[bmw540san]

OP doesn't mention the time span which is as almost important as the mileage when it comes to rubber components exposed to elements.
I just did left front GKN CV joint shaft complete about 6 months ago and I just had to do wheel bearing the other day and rubber looks brand new.
No offense, but how do we know those are genuine GKN rather than clever Chinese copy. Those look like million years old or very low quality rubber.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

Wipe them off thoroughly with denatured alcohol, then seal the cracks with a continuous bead of aquarium or marine grade silicone sealant (3M Part Number 08019). Allow 24 hours for curing, then use spray silicone on the rest of the boot for protection and surface lubrication.

2002 X5 3.0 314,300 miles
2014 428i 24,100 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

Much appreciated replies by all, wouldn't a silicon based sealant 'eat' the rubber based boot?

[omodos]

Originally Posted by squidzilla

I am going to try an aftermarket pair one my beater auto m54 x5. You use a cone thing or an air powered tool to make them expand and require very little removal of parts. Granted it is only for the one that is closest to the wheel but it looks like I can switch it out in 30 minutes. Some parts maker in the UK makes them. Since I have an air compressor I am going to buy the 134.00 tool so boot swapping will only take about 30 minutes or so. I am shocked the gnk boots failed so quickly.

Very interesting, too far advanced out there! here in cyprus I getting funny looks when I asked for liquid rubber at a diy store.....they don't have a clue.....

[omodos]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

Wipe them off thoroughly with denatured alcohol, then seal the cracks with a continuous bead of aquarium or marine grade silicone sealant (3M Part Number 08019). Allow 24 hours for curing, then use spray silicone on the rest of the boot for protection and surface lubrication.

2002 X5 3.0 314,300 miles
2014 428i 24,100 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

will the silicon not eat the rubber?

[omodos]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Looks more like dried on mud that cracked, and not the rubber itself that is cracking.

ta for reply, nope alas not mud, I flexed it poked around they are cracked but not leaking.....

[omodos]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

OP doesn't mention the time span which is as almost important as the mileage when it comes to rubber components exposed to elements.
I just did left front GKN CV joint shaft complete about 6 months ago and I just had to do wheel bearing the other day and rubber looks brand new.
No offense, but how do we know those are genuine GKN rather than clever Chinese copy. Those look like million years old or very low quality rubber.

Boots are just over 3 years old, i mean both sides cannot be fake oneside was the febi bilstein and the other thew gkn from reputable dealers here.....temps are in general over 20C for most of the year with the summers 3-4 months staying in the 35C zone, this coupled with leaving the car parked outside could have dried them out this way?

[omodos]

Originally Posted by squidzilla

I am going to try an aftermarket pair one my beater auto m54 x5. You use a cone thing or an air powered tool to make them expand and require very little removal of parts. Granted it is only for the one that is closest to the wheel but it looks like I can switch it out in 30 minutes. Some parts maker in the UK makes them. Since I have an air compressor I am going to buy the 134.00 tool so boot swapping will only take about 30 minutes or so. I am shocked the gnk boots failed so quickly.

Yup on gnk the way out, they are not actually leaking or totally split yet, but am having major issues finding any 3M weather strip and gasket seal stuff out here and as time ain't on my hands I may to opt for the silicon 'fix' . Industrial Glazing type I found has 20% elasticitity...is that enough? other type of special polymer bonds/sealants on the shelf are 10 & 25 year gauranteed and stick to virtually anything they claim....just the flexibility elasticity side of things is what will be quesionable....

[Jake335i]

Very easy to replace yourself, screw the mechanic and put the next ones in yourself.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by Jake335i

Very easy to replace yourself, screw the mechanic and put the next ones in yourself.

I wish I could, one side was done just fine but took mechanic 3 hours! and 2 assistants including me! and done at a reasonable price, next mechanic did it in 30mins max and charged an arm and a leg, and today I called the dealer who wanted a total of 520euros for both sides!
I have seen the stretch on cv boots. but don't think I will find any in Cyprus, they look well easy to fit!