Sway Bar / Axle issue - seeking advice?

[anotherbmwowner]

I think my previous post may have been deleted for reasons I do not know, so I am reposting.

I have a 2001 X5 w/ a broken front sway bar bracket.

The bracket broke because the bolt fell out (or was not put back). The bracket is now bent out about 45 - 50 degrees off of the chassis mounting point. The sway bar is definitely moving within it to some degree but I dont believe it is excessive as the bracket still covers the bar (though there is a good 1 - 2 inch of vertical play there).

Soooo...

Took it to the shop. Shop 1 says I need to replace the front passenger axle. This bugs me so I call Shop 2 who just replaced my front passenger axle a year+ ago (and who may have not replaced the bolt). They say there is no way the axle should need to be replaced unless it has been rubbed somehow by the sway bar (which they doubt).

The latter makes sense to me, after all an axle is pretty robust (CV boots aside). I have heard some creaking noises, etc. coming from the right front, but little if any metal on metal sounds.

I know this is a pretty hard question, and from what I understand the sway bar mount never fails (hence the part order) so I am thinking there is little experience with it. This said, I think most people here know the X5 pretty intimately and may have some thoughts.

I will post whatever I end up doing.

Thanks for your help in advance,

David

[Weasel]

I would also guess the bolt was not tightned when put back resulting in it falling out. If I had to guess without looking at the vehicle I'd say you most likely just need the new bracket and bolt. And if you want to have some fun with the shop trying to sell you the axle, ask them to show you why it is bad... see what they come up with to cover themselves and justify the estimate. (I hate shady shops)

[anotherbmwowner]

Thanks for the advice. I will tell the guy I dont want the axle and see what he says, and report back!

[cobra94563]

Originally Posted by Weasel

I would also guess the bolt was not tightned when put back resulting in it falling out. If I had to guess without looking at the vehicle I'd say you most likely just need the new bracket and bolt. And if you want to have some fun with the shop trying to sell you the axle, ask them to show you why it is bad... see what they come up with to cover themselves and justify the estimate. (I hate shady shops)

But, if you don't trust the shop (which is your call), just get the car back.

If someone is willing to say you need an axle, when you don't - well, they can do things so you do need an axle (very easily).

[anotherbmwowner]

Took it to Shop 2 who put it on the lift. We both looked @ it and the axle looks fine. unfortunately the $*#$(#$ diff to axle seal is leaking.

Estimate is $300. I am going to shop around and see if I can get it done cheaper. I feel like the bad seal might be Shop 2's fault, but it has been too long (over a year) to reasonably expect them to fix it for free.

[cobra94563]

If shop 2 replaced the axle, and a year later the seal is leaking.... I wouldn't assume the shop was a fault. (?) The car IS 8 years old (+ I don't know how many miles.)