CV Axle brand recommendations?

[Bottomfeeder]

Hi All -

I'm getting ready to replace the right side CV axle on my '05 and was wondering if the E53 brain trust has any brand recommendations or advice about brands to stay away from.

The first two times I did this job (both on the left side) I used GKN but they seem to have gotten significantly more expensive. Specifically I'm looking at a brand called GSP that is about $150 less than the GKN. I've seen others out there that are even less.

I don't mind shelling out for quality parts, but at the same time $$ are tight around here at the moment.

Thanks in advance for the good counsel.

Chris
Lockhart, Texas
2005 X5 3.0 Schwarz Black
2002 X5 3.0 Titansilber

[Henn28]

I’ve tried them all I think. OE BMW seem to last the longest, but are way too much money. GKN axles or even rebuilt units from Cardone last long enough for the money, but my experience is that the boots suck on these aftermarket parts and tend to start throwing grease after a couple years.

[andrewwynn]

Do you need to replace the whole thing? My outer joint was screwed and the OEM outer joint was a very fair price when i fixed my axle.

Tip: any time changing CV axle, get spare retaining clips. Usually half to 2/3 absolutely refuse to go in for me.


–awr–

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[cn90]

If the CV joint is not damaged, then reboot it?

I just rebooted my 2006 X5 with 142,500 miles.
I caught the cracked boot on 1 side early, so the CV joint is fine.
Replaced with GKN boots + axle seals.
All is good now.

[cn90]

If CV joint is damaged....

Another option is to buy a good used Genuine BMW axle for let's say $80 from LKQonline, eBay etc.,
Then buy GKN boots ($15/ea or $30/side) and rebuild it yourself.
Just make sure you buy the axle with factory boots, this way you know the boots have never been changed and chances are the CV joint still good.
These CV joints are known to last some 300K if the boot has never been cracked.

Now you come out ahead.

[andrewwynn]

Solid advice


–awr–

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[cn90]

FYI,

Factory Axle was made by GKN.

Currently, the GKN axles on FCPEuro, rmeuropean eBay all say "remfg'd", whatever that means.

This is why it makes sense to buy a used axle and reboot it using GKN boot.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by cn90

If CV joint is damaged....

Another option is to buy a good used Genuine BMW axle for let's say $80 from LKQonline, eBay etc.,
Then buy GKN boots ($15/ea or $30/side) and rebuild it yourself.
Just make sure you buy the axle with factory boots, this way you know the boots have never been changed and chances are the CV joint still good.
These CV joints are known to last some 300K if the boot has never been cracked.

Now you come out ahead.

Mine is still running without problems with original drive shafts @ 410 tkm. Once taken apart (@ 250 tkm) as preventative maintenance and renewed with OEM boots.

[Effduration]

CVJ Axles in Denver area sells quality rebuilt axles. I have used them several times with good outcomes. I think they may only rebuild genuine BMW axles.

https://www.cvjreman.com/

[Bottomfeeder]

Excellent advice - thanks to all!

In my case there's nothing at all wrong with the axle itself, just a torn boot on the outer CV. Car only has 90K on it. However, my wife has been driving this one lately and I haven't been paying as much attention to it. Last oil change I noticed the torn boot and tons of grease on the inside of the wheel. My guess is that it has at least a couple thousand miles on it with the boot torn, though it isn't showing any symptoms of problems yet.

My plan was just to replace the whole axle shaft mostly out of laziness, but I like the idea of rebooting an original axle. Would I be asking for trouble if I just clean and regrease the one that's on there, slap a new boot on it and go?

Thanks again,
Chris
Lockhart, Texas
2005 X5 3.0 Schwarz Black
2002 X5 3.0 Titansilber