New tires today found torn CV boot

[retcav1sg]

Indy sugested I replace the entire shaft as dirt and road "stuff" have already invaded the exposed joint. Made sense to me but wanted to consult the folks on the board. Also, he suggested an aftermarket shaft/joint, $129 versus OEM BMW for $469. He said warranty is the same for both parts only difference is the aftermarket part is refurbished BMW part. What say you??
Also, there is no clicking or any other indication that the current joint has gone bad. Price out the door for entire shaft assembly $345.

Thanks in advanve for reply/opnions
Mike

[antonnyc]

I actually just changed my CV boot myself as BMW found it torn. It cost me about $450 for everything.

The boot was like $40 and the labor was the killer......

they said they had to remove the tire the brake system and so on....

Anyways to play it safe b/c i do drive my family in the car i had them do it!

[primetime]

If your joint isn't clicking or making noise when you're driving then i doubt the actual cv joint is bad..My boots were torn for over 6 months through a brutal winter and it still only needed just the boots replaced, not the joints..

[acitydweller]

if your boot is damaged, its bound to get worse... i suggest you fix it as soon as you find out.