Multiple CV Boot Failures (same boot twice in 10k miles???)

[gse36]

Before I change it again, just wanted any input as to why my front right (passenger) outer CV boot is always failing!

X5 is 2003 model.

Replaced Jan 2008 @ 65k mi. (first time) - then replaced (indy 1)
Replaced Dec 2008 @ 68k mi - then replaced (diff indy - indy 2)
I don't know when it failed again, but we're at Feb 2011 @ 75k mi, and its showing a small leak again.

Driver side has been replaced Sept 2007 @ 58k mi (first time). Still seems to be going.

Does anybody have a reasonable explanation for this? The driver side is perfectly fine.

Thanks

[sedate_driver]

You don't seem to drive this very much putting on only about 3000 miles per year. YVR = Vancouver? If so, no snow banks unless you head into the mountains. Do you take this off road? I drove into a snow bank and was concerned about possible damage to my suspension and driving components but it didn't seem to do any serious harm. Does it otherwise drive fine?

[gse36]

Originally Posted by sedate_driver

You don't seem to drive this very much putting on only about 3000 miles per year. YVR = Vancouver? If so, no snow banks unless you head into the mountains. Do you take this off road? I drove into a snow bank and was concerned about possible damage to my suspension and driving components but it didn't seem to do any serious harm. Does it otherwise drive fine?

Yes, I am in Vancouver. I don't take this off road. No big snow either! Seems to drive fine otherwise. Just weird that the outer passenger CV has failed numerous times. Perhaps it was installed improperly or low quality replacements were used (tho given it happened twice, thats some bad luck!)

Thanks

[mrbmwx5]

Cheap quality in part by indi supply... I must say..

[JLW]

Maybe you should replace the whole shaft with OEM. I've only replaced my entire shaft once at 8?K and have never had and issue now at 160k. If they die again I will replace the whole thing with BMW parts. I want to say that it was only like $225 a side for parts. Worth it.

[gse36]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. I will try to change the boots myself (since its not very expensive). I will take a look at the joint and confirm everything is okay. If that fails, I will change the shaft.

I noticed while buying the boots, there are 2 types of boots. One for 27mm shaft, and one for 29mm shaft. I measured mine and it was 27mm, so I ordered those boots. Not sure if it would make a diff if the indi used the wrong part.

I'll update this after. Thanks!