Front Inner CV boot problem / solution (lots of pic)

[MrFixIt]

Recommendation: If replacing the inner CV boot, get the BMW kit with the boot adaptor and the right tri-pod grease. It might cost more, but it will save you in time and aggravation. No issues with the GNK outer boot kit.

My driver side front outer CV boot leaked. Fixed it by the "inner boot remove/replace method" (Thank you for all the DIY posts). All went well. No problem with the new outer boot, but the inner CV boot leaked and was spitting grease out even though the clamp was torqued to the max. Could not get a tight seal between the boot and tulip element.

The problem identified was the out of spec old boot adaptor (GNK OEM boot kit from Pelican did not come with a new boot adaptor). Thought it was OK to use the old one--WRONG!! The old boot adaptor was well used with age and heat (original since 2003), and once it was detached from the original CV boot and clamp, it no longer had the proper fit inside the new CV boot.

I do not recommend reusing the old inner boot adaptor. After lots of reading and analyzing the problem, I decided to get a new inner CV boot kit from a local BMW dealership; the kit comes complete with the boot, tri-pod grease (real deal not cv boot grease like in GNK kit), boot adaptor, C-clamps, and retaining clamps (see pic).

With the new BMW kit, everything fits nicely and the job went quite fast and smooth. Even the boot clamps clamped cleanly and without any struggle. Most important of all--no more leaks! I did not have to replace the entire axle.

Yes, GNK OEM inner boot kit from Pelican (Excellent Company) was only about $20, but it's missing a critical part--a new boot adaptor. I believe that BMW recognized the issue which might explain why a new boot adaptor is included in their kit. Just my theory.

GNK is OEM and just about everything is identical less the clamps, boot adaptor, and tripod grease.