CV Boot life

[Tomaz]

What kind of life re you seeing from your front outer CV boots? Mine are good for 60K miles. Its only the outer boots as I'm sure the turning of the front wheels adds extra flexing stress. All of the others are original for 12 years and 185K miles. The first replacement was at the dealer and they would only replace the entire axle assembly for around $1500. Later I went to my mechanic and he would do it for about $350 each. The boot is only about a $20 part so the rest is labor. I can always tell when I need a boot when I see the dark grease being thrown on the insides of the wheels. Seems like they should last longer. By the way, mine is a California car, never sees freezing temperatures or salt.

[admranger]

I think both of mine (outer front boots) died before 60k miles, but I'd have to pull the file and check. CPO replaced them one at a time as they died one week apart -- each with it's own $50 deductible of course…

[CharlieHustle]

I would have to agree with the 60K mark for the life expectancy of the axle boot. I recall having the drivers boot tear open on me first. My e53 also is a California car, no extreme weather conditions or salt.

[4.8isX5]

I have a torn inside boot on the passenger driver side since i bought it at 63k last november, at 76.8k now,, didnt feel like replacing it yet, was going to do boots but the whole cv axle assembly with installed boots is like $48 off rockauto, 1500$ for replacement is insane, cant believe people pay these prices and complain about maintainence cost, its like a 2hr job diy working at normal pace.

[X5SND]

IMO a 60k life expectancy is about right. The front outer boots are the ones that do the most movement, and as such are subject to the highest wear.

You can save yourself the hassle of having to clean all the spattered grease off if you do periodic inspection of the boot...I prefer to change them prematurely to scraping blobs of grease off.

[Tomaz]

Originally Posted by 4.8isX5

I have a torn inside boot on the passenger driver side since i bought it at 63k last november, at 76.8k now,, didnt feel like replacing it yet, was going to do boots but the whole cv axle assembly with installed boots is like $48 off rockauto, 1500$ for replacement is insane, cant believe people pay these prices and complain about maintainence cost, its like a 2hr job diy working at normal pace.

CV axle assembly with boots for $48? Please send me their contact info. You really should get the boot replaced before moisture and dirt ruin the CV joint, but for $48 dollars, who cares?

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by Tomaz

CV axle assembly with boots for $48? Please send me their contact info. You really should get the boot replaced before moisture and dirt ruin the CV joint, but for $48 dollars, who cares?

You most likely will, when they start producing vibes throughout the front end from lackluster build quality and nearly zero in quality control. Aftermarket items like axles and drive shafts are definitely NOT something I'd throw on my truck...

[StephenVA]

My 4.8is split them at 47K. left went first at 45K, six months later the right split at 47K.

20K life mentioned is short but I am sure driving style, hwy vs city turning vs temp/humidity all plays a part.

I like the posting above...inspect for cracking, any visable signs, replace with OE boots. 2 hr job.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

My 4.8is split them at 47K. left went first at 45K, six months later the right split at 47K.

Very close to my 4.8is experience. First the drivers side at ~40k this Summer, then the passenger last month at ~44k.

[Ricky Bobby]

I'd rather replace a set of 30 dollar axle boots every 50-60k or so, preventatively, as opposed to letting boots rip, spew grease everywhere and risk compromising the joints, and having to go with cheap Chinese replacements which may or may not be up to the same quality as the OE axle.