CV Boot Replacement

[ajitverma]

I have a 2000 X5 4.4 with about 61K miles. i took it to my mechanic
for fixing coolant hoses and some other 60K maintenance work. He
reports one CV Boot is leaking and another one cracked and has
quoted about $550 in labor charges (6-7 hours) for both boots and
about $100 for parts.

I am seeking experts' opinion if CV Boot failure is common at this
mileage and if the labor charges sound right.

Thanks,
Ajit

[Roc3b]

Yes...they are made out of flimsy rubber...if your boot has been damaged long then he will have to replace the axle arm which can be costly. I had both boots done at a local independant mech for $275...the stealer wanted $950.

[Zulu95]

Agree with Roc3b,
Flimsy rubber. I had both outer fronts replaced last November. Parts came to $74.14 inc. shipping. Both drive shafts (Left & Right) were removed from vehicle. The outer CV joint was removed from the shaft, cleaned, new boot put on followed by the CV joint then everything was put back on the vehicle. The joint was then dusted off and greased with the grease supplied in the boot kit and the boot kit sealed to the shaft. Then the axel nut was put on and torqued.
Lot of work. A new shaft costs around $700 for a reman. unit.

[ajitverma]

Thanks guys for your prompt response. I hope it also helps other
fellow X5'ers. The bay area is pretty expensive. So it does look
like my mechanic's charges are reasonable.

[Roc3b]

It is just the beginning friend. What you will find is people with BMW experience lease or buy new and dump just before the warranty is up. The others buy CPO through 100K...then there are people like me that pony up crazy cash with no warranty, or something that resembles a warranty and then get ass raped, but that is another story. Good luck.

[ajitverma]

Yup. That's my Ultimate Driving Me Crazy Machine! Several things
were changed during warranty and then I had to replace the radiator.
The CD changer is dead. Turning signals keep malfunctioning. I don't
know what is next... That's why they say you learn every day. My
Nissan Altima was a much better made car.

[Zulu95]

What is wrong with the changer?

[ajitverma]

The CD's get stuck and then the magazine wouldn't come out. I had
a tough time taking them out. I don't know if a new magazine would
help. Right now, the changer is sitting in my garage.

[Zulu95]

I had that happen last week. Thumped the top twice and the CD unloaded and out popped the mag.
I read somewhere that a new mag may help.
Sorry, hijacked the thread.
Returning to NOP. Out.

[Katt]

Originally Posted by Roc3b

It is just the beginning friend. What you will find is people with BMW experience lease or buy new and dump just before the warranty is up. The others buy CPO through 100K...then there are people like me that pony up crazy cash with no warranty, or something that resembles a warranty and then get ass raped, but that is another story. Good luck.

I'm just like you then.............I just had the CV boots replaced both left and right...........bill was $1500 at the stealer. I really need to find a good independant in my area, cause this is getting rediculous. I won't let her go though, she's one of the first of the line and I don't want to replace her. Spent the day washing and waxing her yesterday. I love the way the X5 looks with all the doors open and the hatch up! Made me fall in love all over again.


Katt