Cv axle splines destroyed at the tip
 

Okay so this is what my CV axle looks like. Do you guys think that I've got more damage in the diff or that I can just replace this axle and everything be fine? basically I'd like for people who have had experience with their diff to look at the damage on the tip of this axle and see if they think something deeper is wrong. I understand that this is asking for statistical information without inspection. Just want experienced persons to see if this looks familiar.

When I turn the wheel a specific direction it pops and grinds as well I lose drive and it as if it's in neutral. I was blaming the cv, but perhaps that's not it. Possible front driveshaft issues since I know the splines are boogered up going into the transfer case. Anyone have issues with their x5 having a neutral effect when having front driveshaft issues?

Pic on the next post.

Here's the axle tip

Here's the inside but I can't see the other side of the splines.

That is a pretty typical fault. It is actuay called the front driveshaft. Some people make longer versions that stick into the transfer case further. Some people have had luck just installing a longer shaft, others just replace the female end and install either another stock length or extended length shaft.

Good catch. Disregard my post. I got caught off guard with the lingo mix up and that I haven't see an axle strip like that.

Had that axle recently been worked on? Perhaps the mechanic didn't push the axle in far enough to engage the c clip, thus the small amount of stripped splines.

^^^This. Needing a longer CV axle is not a known problem with E53, as opposed to the driveshaft

I can't imagine this would happen on an axle that was not worked on or replaced recently.

Did the OP take the c-clip off? If it got damaged during install, that would explain some of the popping out.

If the internal splines aren't FUBAR, it looks like you would have enough engagement.

Perhaps drain and flush the diff fluid and look for debris/c-clip, etc.