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.

[Ricky Bobby]

good info thanks for sharing!

Although its under my impression that the inner boots do not leak out like the outer boots do so its best to leave them be?

[BigBlack48is]

I put on my summer tires this weekend and noticed I have a leaky inner boot on my drivers side that I cannot overlook anymore

So it looks like you were able to remove the old boot with the CV still connected at the spindle side... can you elaborate on what suspension bolts you had to remove to allow you to pull the inner "tripod" joint apart at the boot? Also, if you have air struts up front did you deflate them first?

Thanks for any help you can offer

[Ricky Bobby]

I never did the inner boots but when I did my wheel bearings/outer boots last year the only thing I needed to take off was the rotor, brake caliper (although I don't think you need to), and the 2 lower strut bolts. If you disconnect the bottom of the strut it should be plenty of room to maneuver the axle and inner joint out of the tripod. If you undo the clamps on the inner boot it should pop right out and leave the inboard axle side attached to the diff.

[BigBlack48is]

Okay! that is what was I looking for

thanks Ricky!!

So am I going to have to deflate the strut?

[Ricky Bobby]

I didn't have to deflate mine. just the lower strut bolts so the spindle drops down and you'll just have the strut hanging by the top, should be enough room.

[BigBlack48is]

Awesome!

I'm going to get the boot kit on order and get it done with weekend

Thanks for your help Ricky!!

[Ricky Bobby]

No problem at all man if you need any help let me know, like I said I only did the outer boots on mine but if you are leaving the outer axle in the hub then the process should be similar to mine just reversed.

As well, be sure to get the proper CV boot clamp pliers from Advance Auto I think they are 8.99, you need them to get a proper clamp on the new clamps.

Ear-type clamps they are for.

[gdlbmw]

Hi there where did you get your CV boot kit from?
Please post link

[MrFixIt]

Originally Posted by BigBlack48is

I put on my summer tires this weekend and noticed I have a leaky inner boot on my drivers side that I cannot overlook anymore

So it looks like you were able to remove the old boot with the CV still connected at the spindle side... can you elaborate on what suspension bolts you had to remove to allow you to pull the inner "tripod" joint apart at the boot? Also, if you have air struts up front did you deflate them first?

Thanks for any help you can offer

If I remember correctly, I only removed the rear control arm (removed bolt at the car frame end only) and the chopstick (remove bolt at the strut end only). Remove the wheel of course. Once the two arms are removed the entire strut assembly should be flexible enough to wiggle the axel out of the front differential. Remove the clamps and the inner CV joint/tripod should pop right out.

I'm not sure about having to deflate the strut air bag. My X does not have that.

Prepare for an extremely messy/greasy job. Have lots of shop/paper towels.

Also do a search on "CV joint replaced in 30 minutes" this should give lots of photos and inputs from other members.

I recommend replacing both the inner and out boots while you're in there. Use a good quality CV clamp tool (check for fit twice before tightening the clamps cause each kit only comes with one set of clamps per end. I forgot to burp the outer boot before clamping it downs--had to undo and use a new clamp, but luckily had an extra clamp on hand.

Enjoy the project. It's not a difficult job, just messy.