20k miles both front cv boots going bad

[Jake335i]

Originally Posted by omodos

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!

Hmm, 3 hours and 3 people is a lot!! I remember I had an issue insert the new one, but when I learned to "slide hammer" it, it slid right in.

Ya, you might be outta luck in Cyprus, but at least you live on a nice island! (Vacationed there a few years ago, great people!)

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by omodos

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

No, it won't. As long as it is a true silicon and not something solvent based such as WD-40. I use Yamaha brand Yamalube Silicone Protectorant liberally on all plastic and rubber parts on my marine gear as well as on the X5 CV boots and other such parts.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

No, it won't. As long as it is a true silicon and not something solvent based such as WD-40. I use Yamaha brand Yamalube Silicone Protectorant liberally on all plastic and rubber parts on my marine gear as well as on the X5 CV boots and other such parts.

Hi again ta for reply, just to clarify using a proper silicon sealant to fill in the cracks etc won't eat the rubber boots?alas cant find any 3m weatherstrip n gasket selant out here , best i found was liquid rubber by Bostik that sounds good, so it is either this or a marine silicon or a good silicon?..... just got off the phone to my mechaninc, he was looking into rally car racing silicon based cv boots ....has not tested em but he is sure there are types that will fit the x5 and are virtually tear proof he said.....he also said that even though my cracking cv boots haven't leaked moisture maybe getting in.....so he suggests I swap em out.....

[omodos]

Originally Posted by Jake335i

Hmm, 3 hours and 3 people is a lot!! I remember I had an issue insert the new one, but when I learned to "slide hammer" it, it slid right in.

Ya, you might be outta luck in Cyprus, but at least you live on a nice island! (Vacationed there a few years ago, great people!)

Hahaha thanks, yeah can't complain, being an island has its plus and minus points.....

[Perrier]

I used the aftermarket cv boots from Hippored.com and replaced the boots in 10 minutes
Everyone advised against it. But 2 years later, in Canadian weather (cold, temp variations, and road salts) they are holding up quite well.

[omodos]

Great, thanks for reply and merry christmas too all, my mechainic suggested silicon ones used on rally cars, he was not more specific re brand etc....not too convinced will be going to see him tomorrow....in the meantime have pasted the cracking ones in a liquid rubbed in case we get rain etc tomorrow.....