Need help - CV boot torn - how to keep the mechanic honest

Werewolf · #1 06-07-2009, 12:58 AM

Hi all,

I need some help. Today I noticed my front left outer CV boot tore. Why? B/c I noticed a clicking sound at low speeds from the front right wheel area.

I've dropped off the car to a well regarded indy mechanic but I want to make sure I don't get screwed in the repair process.

How do I know whether or not the CV joint is damaged?
If it is damaged, what are my options in the repair process at this point?
Do I need the entire axel or not?

What are reasonable costs for this kind of work? Sorry for the ignorance but I just don't understand suspension work / parts. The shop charges a $100/hr for labor which is steep but ok.

Thanks for your help!

vinuneuro · #2 06-07-2009, 01:17 AM

Clicking= joint is done.

Replacing the entire driveshaft or just the joint will depend entirely on which is cheaper with this mechanic.

cobra94563 · #3 06-07-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Clicking= joint is done.

Replacing the entire driveshaft or just the joint will depend entirely on which is cheaper with this mechanic.

gianvito16 · #4 06-07-2009, 07:37 AM

i hear a clicking sound when i let off the gas and the X is just crusing at low speeds. its not that loud but its coming from the front drivers side. is this the same problem? i have a warranty and will have to take it in to get fixed.

RMak · #5 06-07-2009, 09:59 AM

Too bad you don't live here in NY. My mechanic changed both inner, outer boots and axles for $300 dollars.

Werewolf · #6 06-07-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMak

Too bad you don't live here in NY. My mechanic changed both inner, outer boots and axles for $300 dollars.

Did he tell how many hours of labor he charged?

Thanks

RMak · #7 06-07-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Werewolf

Did he tell how many hours of labor he charged?

Thanks

Not really... when he quoted me for $300 dollars for the job, I didn't ask any questions...

I dropped off the X5 at around 8am Saturday morning and they started working on it around 8:30am and they called me at 1:30pm when they were finished.

vinuneuro · #8 06-07-2009, 08:12 PM

That doesn't make any sense. He either replaced the boots or replaced the driveshafts. Which is it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMak

Too bad you don't live here in NY. My mechanic changed both inner, outer boots and axles for $300 dollars.

RMak · #9 06-07-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

That doesn't make any sense. He either replaced the boots or replaced the driveshafts. Which is it...

He stated (as well as some fellow members here) that it's best to replace the axles as well if you are replacing the cv boots. It's just a few dollars more to have the axles replaced along with the boots. Also, if you were to buy new axles, they come with cv boots. Here's a couple of posts here.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...lse-wrong.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-vs-axle.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nt-fooked.html

Werewolf · #10 06-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gianvito16

i hear a clicking sound when i let off the gas and the X is just crusing at low speeds. its not that loud but its coming from the front drivers side. is this the same problem? i have a warranty and will have to take it in to get fixed.

Don't know. Check the axle and see if your boot has torn (should be grease on your axle)