Rockauto question.

Thatwhiteguy · #1 07-01-2021, 03:02 PM

Hello everyone. My 04 x5 3.0 has two front blown boots. I was looking at the rockautos Cardone axles. My question is what is the quality of those axles? I ask as fcp euro has the axles for $230-260 and rock auto had them at around $50. Thanks.

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EODguy · #2 07-01-2021, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thatwhiteguy

Hello everyone. My 04 x5 3.0 has two front blown boots. I was looking at the rockautos Cardone axles. My question is what is the quality of those axles? I ask as fcp euro has the axles for $230-260 and rock auto had them at around $50. Thanks.

If it's torn boots and the joints are ok why not just re-boot them? Granted I don't know how old or how long you've had torn boots so take that into consideration....

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andrewwynn · #3 07-01-2021, 04:00 PM

Definitely do not use knock off axles.

The boot kits are not terribly difficult as long as the c clip releases ok as designed.

My boot was blown but I wasn't sure of the state of the bearings so for $80-90 I bought an entire OEM outer joint with boot.

Thatwhiteguy · #4 07-01-2021, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EODguy

If it's torn boots and the joints are ok why not just re-boot them? Granted I don't know how old or how long you've had torn boots so take that into consideration....

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Do I need the special tool to reboot them?

aureliusmax · #5 07-01-2021, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Definitely do not use knock off axles.

The boot kits are not terribly difficult as long as the c clip releases ok as designed.

My boot was blown but I wasn't sure of the state of the bearings so for $80-90 I bought an entire OEM outer joint with boot.

Respectfully disagree. I ended up by getting cardone axles after having massive time wasting and failures on the REIN boot replacement kits. Next time if there's a small tear in a boot I will be using RTV the right stuff over the prepped surface and monitor the repair.

With the facts of rust and age, if their's a chance like with myself the axle nut can get destroyed, the threads in the end of the axle can get seized or destroyed and then you have to order a new axle anyways.

When it comes to saving time and getting the job done right, I would argue to just get these rebuilt axles. Never heard of a long term issue with cardone axles they are very popular to be used by mechanics in professional shops.

A replacement nut and the cardone axle set me back $200 CAD. I couldn't return my axle for the core ($99) as it was destroyed in the removal process. To reboot two of the front axles for REIN parts set me back $130 CAD. I ended up being able to reboot one axle but with all the worst case things happening it took about 8 hours for one axle. The other axle I just replaced as discussed. Next time, I'm always going to replace axles rather than go through the reboot process. If you make a mistake or if the boot doesn't align or sit right, the special clamps are a one-time use and to remove and adjust you may need to get another boot kit and remove and disassemble the entire axle. Just not worth all the hassle to end up by saving $50 !

andrewwynn · #6 07-01-2021, 07:34 PM

I didn't replace boot. I replaced the outer joint. My argument is basically the same except less risk of having a complication of the inner c clip interaction with the differential.

I wouldn't replace just the boot when for $60 more I can replace the whole joint.

The outer joint comes with new axle spline and axle nut.

You do have to install the grease and the boot. If you mess up the goofy clamp you can use a traditional hose clamp you can get at any hardware store.

My contention is that you can get OEM quality joint for such a good price not worth spending 3-4x as much for whole axle of the inner joint is fine.

Thatwhiteguy · #7 07-01-2021, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I didn't replace boot. I replaced the outer joint. My argument is basically the same except less risk of having a complication of the inner c clip interaction with the differential.

I wouldn't replace just the boot when for $60 more I can replace the whole joint.

The outer joint comes with new axle spline and axle nut.

You do have to install the grease and the boot. If you mess up the goofy clamp you can use a traditional hose clamp you can get at any hardware store.

My contention is that you can get OEM quality joint for such a good price not worth spending 3-4x as much for whole axle of the inner joint is fine.

Do you have a part number or link to these outer joints? I want to look up the right ones. Thanks

Meestahbig · #8 07-01-2021, 08:22 PM

We have all had to deal with CV boot tears, several times... in the past I've replaced just the boot, it's an annoying dirty job. I've also replace the half axle. I replace the half axle with a respectable quality part. frankly, I don't think you need a very expensive one because the boot is going to tear again before your CV joint actually wears out. so maybe just get a cheap half axle and find a place that can do the job in a reasonable amount of time. It's not a difficult job for any seasoned mechanic.

andrewwynn · #9 07-01-2021, 09:41 PM

My first boots lasted over 180,000 miles and 18 years so quality will last.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...kit-3144980005

$70 for OEM quality entire outer joint. I figure for the chance sand got in there and the fact I get a new boot axle spline and axle nut out of the deal it's worth the price.

Also since my inner joint and boot were fine no need to get a knock off full axle.

Full disclosure I have used $120 axles in the past. I would very likely use some highly rated copy cat if I need an inner joint as the OEM full axles are crazy expensive.

Thatwhiteguy · #10 07-02-2021, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

My first boots lasted over 180,000 miles and 18 years so quality will last.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...kit-3144980005

$70 for OEM quality entire outer joint. I figure for the chance sand got in there and the fact I get a new boot axle spline and axle nut out of the deal it's worth the price.

Also since my inner joint and boot were fine no need to get a knock off full axle.

Full disclosure I have used $120 axles in the past. I would very likely use some highly rated copy cat if I need an inner joint as the OEM full axles are crazy expensive.

Awesome thanks. That’s what I’m going to do instead. Thanks

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