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

[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.