20k miles both front cv boots going bad

[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?

[StephenVA]

I would recommend the BMW OE ones and would recommend a bath frequently with a spritz of Armor All (or any rubber protectant) for Ozone protection and to allow the outer skin to retain some flexibility.

I do mine annually but mine only sees approx 2500 per year. So if the wear out/crack in 20K that ok as that will be 10 years from now.

[omodos]

thanks fella never ever thought of giving these things any sort of treatment to prolong their life...my mistake.....in the meantime I am gonna see if i can get away with coating them with some kind of sealent if i can find some....read that 3M window weld works....and shoe goo! but ideally they need swapping out

[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.

[squidzilla]

Originally Posted by omodos

thanks fella never ever thought of giving this things and sort of treatment to prolong their life...my mistake.....in the meantime I am gonna see if i can get away with coating them with some kind of sealent if i can find some....read that 3M window weld works....and shoe goo! but ideally they need swapping out

If you are trying to buy some time until you replace them, you may be able to duct tape that part to keep the grease and dirt from going in or out as much. I read about this in a Subaru forum since they are dealing with bad cv boots as well. Just do a google search.

[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

[crystalworks]

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

That's what I was thinking but I didn't want to be the one to suggest it.

[Calipsoe]

I used 3M Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive to fix a tear in the drivers side rubber window gasket of my E36 coupe. It's been over a year and the repair is still going strong even with the window glass sliding over the repair on a daily basis. I think this would work well for your application after the boots are thoroughly cleaned.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08008-Blac...N%3DB00063X38M

-Fast drying, strong, flexible, rubbery adhesive
-Withstands vibration and extreme temperature variation
-Good oil and water resistance
-Black color designed to match vehicle weather strip for virtually invisible repair

[oldskewel]

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.

I would do something along these lines to start with ^^^.

Maybe tighten or replace that clamp where it looks like a little grease is coming out. But a little grease like that coming out is not a problem yet. The problem would be if dirt gets in.

Also, in general, you might be surprised how long rubber boots can last if they are tough on the inside, even if the outer surface is showing cracks like yours. Until they tear, it is not really a problem - just something to keep an eye on. Adding some further protection as srmmm suggests would prolong the life.

But I do agree, I would not expect them to look like that at 20k miles.

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by Calipsoe

I used 3M Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive to fix a tear in the drivers side rubber window gasket of my E36 coupe. It's been over a year and the repair is still going strong even with the window glass sliding over the repair on a daily basis. I think this would work well for your application after the boots are thoroughly cleaned.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08008-Blac...N%3DB00063X38M

-Fast drying, strong, flexible, rubbery adhesive
-Withstands vibration and extreme temperature variation
-Good oil and water resistance
-Black color designed to match vehicle weather strip for virtually invisible repair

I agree. This is a great material to use for that as well.