outer cv boot replacement

[omodos]

ahhh if only Cyprus was the same as the u.s....

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by omodos

ahhh if only Cyprus was the same as the u.s....

Same here in NZ - a boot is like $20 and an axle is more like $400.

I've replaced a LOT of CV boots in my time...

[omodos]

Indeed the boots are reasonably priced here too...shame they dont last long....maybe should look at silicon rather than rubber ones going forward? Also advice i read about conditioning the rubber boots by giving them a good clean followed by application of silicon spray to keep em supple sort of seems to have worked apart from surface cracks at smaller end of boot.....i think the rubber glue/protector i used should help. In the meantime off topic starting is still fine now 9 days after starter change....

[cn90]

My 2006 X5 M54 with 143K miles outer CV boots just cracked.

Realoem lists:

1. INNER boot: straightforward, only 1 PN.

2. However, OUTER boot has 2 choices...
* 31607565316
* 31607507402

Does anyone know why 2 choices?

----

[titodj]

Originally Posted by Crowz

I personally think the best solution when a boot rips these days is just replace the cv axle.

Axles are $70something dollars at autozone with lifetime warranty. Just isn't worth the hassle to go any other way as cheap as they are now. Just my 2 cents.

I agree, I just replaced mine, because the boot was broken.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Crowz

I personally think the best solution when a boot rips these days is just replace the cv axle.

Axles are $70something dollars at autozone with lifetime warranty. Just isn't worth the hassle to go any other way as cheap as they are now. Just my 2 cents.

There's a reason why those axles at AutoZone are only $70.00. That's because they are "Made in China". Now I got nothing against things being Made in China, even my wife has the "Made in China sticker on her feet if you flip her over, and they do make a phone call the eye phone.

Unless you have been driving with a torn boot to the point that the CV joint is destroyed and is clicking even when the wheels are pointed straight, I would just clean, regrease and reboot the axle. You can also just replace the outer CV joint with a Febi CV joint (but they are probably Made in China).

Just my 2 cents.

[Crowz]

Originally Posted by upallnight

There's a reason why those axles at AutoZone are only $70.00. That's because they are "Made in China". Now I got nothing against things being Made in China, even my wife has the "Made in China sticker on her feet if you flip her over, and they do make a phone call the eye phone.

Unless you have been driving with a torn boot to the point that the CV joint is destroyed and is clicking even when the wheels are pointed straight, I would just clean, regrease and reboot the axle. You can also just replace the outer CV joint with a Febi CV joint (but they are probably Made in China).

Just my 2 cents.

If they can survive my driveway everyone else's street queens will do fine with the autozone axles where ever they are made.

Its not uncommon for all the torque to be directed at one wheel on mine up some rather large climbs.


As for having to do the boots in other countries where they cost so much that makes tons of sense to change the boots in place of replacing. In the united states autozone is the only logical choice wallet wise. Not to mention install time wise.

The new axles have already have over 50,000 miles put on them plus the driveway torture test. Zero issues.

[Overboost]

Yep, I've had Chinese axles on mine now for over 5 years and 50,000 miles and not even as much as a torn boot.

[omodos]

Not checked how much they cost here but highly doubt will be less than the equivalent of 2-3 times the 70 dollars you mention...anyhow get to that bridge when its time....

[wpoll]

CV boot is not likely to tear down at the small end - not much flexing there. They usually go at the "valley" of the largest bellow section - where the most flex occurs.

Conditioning them may help but not likely. Quality of material is what matters here....