Bad front Axels

[Jordaan]

Hey everyone

Well we've had our 2001 X5 since 2004 and I would say in 06 the axels started clicking.. To this day they are still clicking, so I know it's way past the point of just replacing the CV boot and the whole front axel will need to be replaced but I'm wondering how hard of job this is for the DIY'er and what it entails.

Has anyone ever done it or should it just be carried out by BMW?

[Jordaan]

anyone?

[amacman]

at the top of page is a search function , type cv boot to find some of the diy repairs done by members . not a difficult diy but are best to get as much help and info as possible . you should find info on where to buy a complete axle , I think I remember some paying around $200 .
some other members will chime in with help

[Repoman]

I have replaced the passenger side front myself, not a real big deal. There is some great DIY's on here. Just like amacman said I read as much about it as I could on here about it and knocked it out. Took me about 4-5 hours but that included cigarette breaks and time to walk back and forth to the fridge for another cold one. If you are a proficient DIYer it should be no problem, if not you might want to consider an INDY. I used an aftermarket axle assembly for $87. I don't have a problem using aftermarket parts on my BMW because I feel that most of the oem parts are poorly made in the first place (i.e. I have replaced many parts on my X5 that expired way before they should have, alternator, ac compressor, front axle/cv boot, window actuators, ect. only got 60K miles, wtf).

[Jordaan]

Originally Posted by amacman

at the top of page is a search function , type cv boot to find some of the diy repairs done by members . not a difficult diy but are best to get as much help and info as possible . you should find info on where to buy a complete axle , I think I remember some paying around $200 .
some other members will chime in with help

Awesome! Thank you! Yeah I want to try and save my family money and not go to the dealer and get some experience under my belt, but I want to make sure it's a job I can handle. Driving an X5 that doesn't click when turning!! I'm getting excited just thinking about it! haha

[ayagutak]

i have to replace my front right axle, this week i wanted to know when you replace the cv boot was it the inner or outer cv you replace,
Also did this fix the noise problem,

[TriX5]

Unless you have a gazillion miles on it I would order the OEM outer CV joints from Tischer and replace them only with some new after market boots. Changing the whole exle may be worth if you have a lot of miles but I would still opt for OEM if you can afford. After market axles have been hit and miss around here as far as I can see.

BTW, yes, replacing the outer CVJ is what I did on mine.

[ayagutak]

thanks that helps a lot, also i was told after changing the control arm, and the axle the head light posting need to be adjusted, is the true and if so how is that done

[chuckster]

Just did the axles and lower control arms both sides. Axle job was not bad at all. I would recommend using a 3/4 in impact to remove the axle nuts. I did have to order a socket for this off of e-bay. About 4$. Use caution when installing axle into transfer case so that you do not damage the seals. Hardest part to me was separating the ball joints. 3lb sledge took care of that. Good luck! On a side note.....went 25,000 between the time I noticed the boots were cracked and when I began to hear any clicking noise. Replaced them shortly after being able to hear them. And no, I did not notice any difference in the headlights and I did not adjust them.

[ayagutak]

i have over 20000km on my x and still going strong, what i wanted to know is what items i need to buy when changing the right axle assemble, ok i need the right axle, do i need the inner and outer CV boot or does that comes with the axle,,,,i have all the tools needed for the job, just need tyo know about the parts needed.