Need to replace front CV axles

[Shadyhaze13]

I'm new to the x5. I have a 2004 x5 3.0i with about 60,000 miles. I was told I need to replace the front cv axles. What's a good brand or place to get replacement front axles? The Bmw OEM part seems to be very expensive. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[mam4.6]

I just bought 2 new ones for mine. GKN is what you want, as they are an OEM. Don't even think about the aftermarket crap, as that is exactly what they are...

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[Shadyhaze13]

Originally Posted by mam4.6

I just bought 2 new ones for mine. GKN is what you want, as they are an OEM. Don't even think about the aftermarket crap, as that is exactly what they are...

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How much and where can I get them? Thanks

[iansanderson]

Originally Posted by Shadyhaze13

How much and where can I get them? Thanks

autohausaz has them

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...20Axle%20Shaft

[Shadyhaze13]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

autohausaz has them

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...20Axle%20Shaft

Thanks

[andrewwynn]

That is helpful info. I put in a "practice CV" that now has to have the boot replaced. The most difficult part is removing the axle nut if you don't have a serious impact tool.


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[upallnight]

If the boot is torn, but the CV joint is not making clicking noise, you can just reboot the axle. A lot cheaper and you get to keep your original axle. If the joint is making clicking noise you can just replace the CV joint. Almost the same price as a new cheap crappy axle sold on eBay and Amazon, but at least you get to keep a genuine BMW axle.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

That is helpful info. I put in a "practice CV" that now has to have the boot replaced. The most difficult part is removing the axle nut if you don't have a serious impact tool.


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A cheater pipe such as a jack handle on a 3/4" breaker bar makes removing the axle nut easy peasy.

The most difficult part, in my opinion, is popping the inner CV joint off the differential. You may have to remove the aluminum belly pan in order to accomplish this.

[Shadyhaze13]

Originally Posted by upallnight

If the boot is torn, but the CV joint is not making clicking noise, you can just reboot the axle. A lot cheaper and you get to keep your original axle. If the joint is making clicking noise you can just replace the CV joint. Almost the same price as a new cheap crappy axle sold on eBay and Amazon, but at least you get to keep a genuine BMW axle.

I don't think there's any noise yet. My wife drives it most of the time and she hasn't complained. I took car in for an inspection and the mechanic said it's good to replace the whole axles if you're going to do the cv boot. The wheels seem to get really dirty quick and said it's because of the axles or cv boot. What's your thoughts?

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Shadyhaze13

I don't think there's any noise yet. My wife drives it most of the time and she hasn't complained. I took car in for an inspection and the mechanic said it's good to replace the whole axles if you're going to do the cv boot. The wheels seem to get really dirty quick and said it's because of the axles or cv boot. What's your thoughts?

My axle had a torn boot, but the CV joint wasn't clicking so I just rebooted the axle. A GKN OEM boot kit is about 20 bucks. I clean the old grease out of the old CV joint and install fresh grease. I also replace the seal at the differential since the axle was already out.

You can pull the axle the hub and pull part of the inner CV joint off the diff. You will need to reboot both inner and outer CV joint, but you won't need to worry about replacing the differential seal or worry about removing the axle nut since you don't need to pull the axle off the hub if you pull the axle and hub off the front suspension as one unit.