Outer CV boot cracked. Leave it, or replace?

[m5james]

I got the boot on eBay for $10 shipped, but replacing completely could be the way to go as well if you're already in there.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by Driven

Yeah I read through the whole DIY article and it looks like a heck of job.

If you're good with your hands and comfy with working on the X5, its nothing more than time consuming.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by civdiv99

I kinda thought buying the whole axle assy for $55 bucks was a good route. Got what I ordered, too.

Some people have had good experiences, others with bad regarding axle replacements. I've compared replacement/remanufactured axles with the ones from the factory and noticed things that dont make me comfortable having it on my car.

[sasquatch]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

Some people have had good experiences, others with bad regarding axle replacements. I've compared replacement/remanufactured axles with the ones from the factory and noticed things that dont make me comfortable having it on my car.

EMPI brand makes a perfect match axle. I just replaced the front two axles on my 2002 model without any problems. Perfect fit. Came with the axles nuts too. Bought them on Partsgeek.com with diff seals for about $215 shipped. Came really quick too.

I don't understand why people would only fix a boot when replacing the entire axle assembly takes just a bit longer and gives you fresh joints/boots. You already have the front suspension apart, why not do it right?

[m5james]

Because if you catch it early enough, you can fix it for $10 vs $200. My axles are perfect fine, so until something happens to them, grit and dirt get into the seals after driving around for weeks on end, etc that sometimes an entire replacement isn't always needed. What makes yours any more right than mine...just because you spent more?

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

EMPI brand makes a perfect match axle. I just replaced the front two axles on my 2002 model without any problems. Perfect fit. Came with the axles nuts too. Bought them on Partsgeek.com with diff seals for about $215 shipped. Came really quick too.

I don't understand why people would only fix a boot when replacing the entire axle assembly takes just a bit longer and gives you fresh joints/boots. You already have the front suspension apart, why not do it right?

Its really preference in the end...But as well as the EMPI axles fit, the quality of the internal roller bearing joint is weaker than the GKN/OEM axle. There's nothing wrong with replacements in general. If you're content with your choice, then nothing else really matters.

Did you also do the replacement of these axles yourself or did a shop do it for you? Just curious.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by m5james

Because if you catch it early enough, you can fix it for $10 vs $200. My axles are perfect fine, so until something happens to them, grit and dirt get into the seals after driving around for weeks on end, etc that sometimes an entire replacement isn't always needed. What makes yours any more right than mine...just because you spent more?

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by m5james

Because if you catch it early enough, you can fix it for $10 vs $200. My axles are perfect fine, so until something happens to them, grit and dirt get into the seals after driving around for weeks on end, etc that sometimes an entire replacement isn't always needed. What makes yours any more right than mine...just because you spent more?

Well said Mr. M5

[RenaissanceMan]

I just discovered my driver side outer boot is torn. As I've never done this job before and have no time to do it before having to pack up and leave for a race tomorrow, I'm pricing getting the job done. Kinda caught between a rock and a hard place with limited time (have to tow the racecar with the X5). Dealer quoted me $740, and the local preferred indie quoted me $619. About hit the floor when I heard the quotes, but alas that's what they quoted. Do these prices sound about right for this job??? My last torn boot was covered under CPO warranty, and unfortunately it expired only 2 weeks ago. Thanks for all the posts on this; definitely going to attempt this myself next time!

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by RenaissanceMan

I just discovered my driver side outer boot is torn. As I've never done this job before and have no time to do it before having to pack up and leave for a race tomorrow, I'm pricing getting the job done. Kinda caught between a rock and a hard place with limited time (have to tow the racecar with the X5). Dealer quoted me $740, and the local preferred indie quoted me $619. About hit the floor when I heard the quotes, but alas that's what they quoted. Do these prices sound about right for this job??? My last torn boot was covered under CPO warranty, and unfortunately it expired only 2 weeks ago. Thanks for all the posts on this; definitely going to attempt this myself next time!

Since you have to drive it. You may end up damaging the bearings. They don't instantlly become ruined once the grease is out though. I know this because I have an aftermarket Axle that does not fit properly and the inside boot cllip got knocked off and al the grease leaked out. It has been over a week now. I ordered a proper axle to replace it, but it has not arrived. I noticed my original one went bad because when I put the car in reverse it clicked a bit. I got under the car and could move, slightly, the axle. It was not completely solit with NO play like it should. If it is still OK then you can get away with a new boot. What I have found though, you better do this yourself. All the cost is labor. You can get an OE BMW boot from the dealership for under $40. Labor is a BIATCH . I did it though. 4 hours. Now that I know how to do it, I should be able to replace the aftermarket axle with the new one in about 2 hours. One thing is for sure, I will use 2 pry bars. Those solit as hell ones that construction workers use to take appart 2X4s from walls.

Just stay away from sharp turns and WATER. Should be ok for short short time.