Ripped CV Boots

[TorontoE53]

Originally Posted by Attacking Mid

Yep, as long as you don't let it get ruined by contamination, you shouldn't ever have to replace one.

I don't know that the same can be said for the Chinese aftermarket axles, but several advised me they had been running them for quite a while without problems. In my case, I would have spent nearly the same on boots as the cheap axle, and I would have had to wait a few days for them to arrive. It just made sense for me to put in the cheap axle and be done.

I kept the OE axle and, if I ever run out of projects, I may clean it up and re-boot it so it's ready to go if/when the Chinese axle fails (most likely will just be a boot failure again). In reality, I can envision the boot failing somewhere down the road and buying another Chinese axle since the OE axle will have sat in the box untouched for several years! Just being self-aware

AM.

Good to hear, for the cost it may not hurt to run the Chinese axles. I know someone local who got the brand new Chinese axles rebuilt but putting heavy duty grease and OEM boots, sound like win win to me..

[Overboost]

I replaced both my front axles about 6 years ago with Chinese axles from Advance Auto. They were about $100/side. 6 years later, no problems at all and boots still look brand new.

I originally had a torn boot and it ran dry and damaged the outer CV joint and the dealer wanted almost $500 for a new outer CV joint and a boot. It is up to you, but at the price of complete aftermarket axles, I would buy them again if I ever had to.

[TorontoE53]

Originally Posted by Overboost

I replaced both my front axles about 6 years ago with Chinese axles from Advance Auto. They were about $100/side. 6 years later, no problems at all and boots still look brand new.

I originally had a torn boot and it ran dry and damaged the outer CV joint and the dealer wanted almost $500 for a new outer CV joint and a boot. It is up to you, but at the price of complete aftermarket axles, I would buy them again if I ever had to.

yep as the saying goes if you don't try you'll never know!

[Overboost]

My logic at the time was a 10 year old car that I honestly didn't know how much longer I would have didn't need Genuine BMW axles anymore. In your case 16 years old so use your best judgement. My experience was just fine with aftermarket.

[cn90]

The problem with CV Boots in any car is:
- It is out of sight, hidden under the car.
- It is a lot of work to replace the boots.

However, if you treat CV Boot like the way you treat engine oil change (such as oil change every 5K-10K etc.), to me the CV Boots need close attention at 100K.
The minute you see fine cracks, it is time to replace them with GKN boot.

Or simply take them out every 10K and give them a clean, new grease + boot.
I know a guy in VW forum who does this (new boots every 100K), when he sold the car at 365K miles, the axle is still the stock part.

[blktoptrvl]

Originally Posted by cn90

The problem with CV Boots in any car is:
- It is out of sight, hidden under the car.
- It is a lot of work to replace the boots.

However, if you treat CV Boot like the way you treat engine oil change (such as oil change every 5K-10K etc.), to me the CV Boots need close attention at 100K.
The minute you see fine cracks, it is time to replace them with GKN boot.

Or simply take them out every 10K and give them a clean, new grease + boot.
I know a guy in VW forum who does this (new boots every 100K), when he sold the car at 365K miles, the axle is still the stock part.

Was this a joke? Otherwise, it seems extreeeeemely excessive to me. See a fine crack; replace the boot? After a crack appears how much longer do you really have 10K, 20K, Unknown?

Isn't that a lot of work for a cracked rubber boot - for which you will still have to do all the same work when it finally does go? If they were half-boots maybe I could see it.

[TorontoE53]

I just wanted to update. I have purchased new axles for both sides waiting for spring/summer to go in. So far I have put 10k on ripped boot and seems to be holding up ok. I want to see in how many more k it will take for it to start knocking/clunking etc.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by TorontoE53

I was thinking of pickup another set of used axles and having them rebuilt that way they are OEM and ready to snap in ..

I have a driver side OE axle. Shoot me an offer. Shipping will be from Chicago, IL. Can provide picture of the axle. Both boots are not torn. They are for a 3.0 X5.

[cn90]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

Was this a joke? Otherwise, it seems extreeeeemely excessive to me. See a fine crack; replace the boot? After a crack appears how much longer do you really have 10K, 20K, Unknown?

Oooops,

Sorry, not a joke. It was typo.
I meant "take it out every 100K" (of course not 10K).
Good catch!!!

[TorontoE53]

Originally Posted by upallnight

I have a driver side OE axle. Shoot me an offer. Shipping will be from Chicago, IL. Can provide picture of the axle. Both boots are not torn. They are for a 3.0 X5.

Thanks for the offer but I've got a set now!