Anyone done CV Boot Boot DIY?

[flyingmachine]

Originally Posted by amcink

CV Boot repair for $150 Labor + $30 parts
Is this a good price?

I think it's a fair price. I assume it's the quote from indy shop, right? If they can let you bring in the parts, you can get the empi made CV boot. I personally think they're better than OEM version.

[amcink]

It's a certified mechanic whom worked at the BMW dealer for 12 years and he is available for side jobs - OEM Boots thought....

[GXL]

I can't imagine the axle being so bad, I guess the quality of the boots is compromised to cut cost.

Ok, I'm leaning toward getting the CV repair kit from Empi; anyone else running that kit instead of OEM ?

[we350z]

no i think even though the car is assembled in the US this particular part is manufactured in germany and they use that garbage UK rubber.

[GXL]

So Empi is British garbage?

[x5turtle]

I hope someone would have an answer, where can I find detail torque specs?

I am going to attack this job today and tomorrow. I will try to make a write up, I hope I don't get too frustrated in the middle and forget about taking pictures and recording procedures~ :-)

[X5 Meister]

Thought I'd add this to the rest of the outstanding info in this thread.

[generx]

Thanks for this thread, I just washed the X last weekend and noticed a little grease splatter on my R/F wheel. Sure enough, it was the outer boot, glad I caught it early.

I ordered the inner and outer boot kit on Monday from autohausaz.com ($29 shipped) which arrived today. I may as well do them both since it'll all be apart anyway. I did inspect the package and noticed that the box for the outer boot kit was all dirty. Upon opening, there was a bunch of grease inside and the small clamp was missing. The grease pack was also missing. Lame. It was probably a return that someone put back in inventory. The invoice said: "Inspected by BS"

I called and asked for a replacement which won't ship until Monday as well as a return slip for the one I received. I also went ahead and ordered the left side inner/outer boots which I should have done in the first place, may as well take care of both sides next weekend.

[X5 Meister]

Good info. Why don't you take a few photos for a nice write up?

[Harley Monster]

This thread has saved my you know what twice now.

I did a full brake job last February and replaced the inner and outer CV boots on the drivers side. The passenger side looked OK so I did not replace the boots.

I took my car to Costco this week (a year later) for a tire rotation and Nitrogen inflation and they said the passenger side outer CV boot was torn and leaking.

Fortunately I had bought two sets of CV boots when I did the brake job.

MY ADVICE: IF ONE SIDE IS TORN REPLACE BOTH SIDES WHILE YOU ARE AT IT BECAUSE THE OTHER ONE IS NOT FAR BEHIND.

I returned to this thread for a review and it was still a PITA.

My inner CV joint Tri-star did not come off as easy as the drivers side. I ended up using the air chisel solution and the socket reinstall. Drivers side was really easy compared to the passenger side; anyone else have this problem?

The posting in the articles section needs to be redone...the DIYer would be foolish to take the swivel bearing apart just for a CV boot replacement. That article will cause a lot of unnecessary problems. The CV boot replacement from the engine side of the axle is the only way to go.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread!