CV Axle Replacement - What Else?
 

There are a lot of good threads out there on how to do this. Will attempt in the next couple of weeks as I gather parts.

Couple questions.

1. Do I need to buy new axle nuts, or do the new CV axles come with them?
2. What other parts (Seals, nuts, bushings) do I need or should replace when I'm down there? I was thinking maybe replace the control arm bushings...

Differential seals since you are yanking the axles out of the diff.

Depends on the brand. Factory ones don't include the extras. Get dealer replacement snap rings (c-shaped ring that holds the axle in the diff) - the aftermarket ones don't seem to seat well for me.

Reboot if you can. If you really do need to replace, I prefer GKN axles. Original manufacturers quality but about half the BMW price.

Differential seals and OE "C-Shaped" Snap Rings - Got it! Thanks!
Normally like to go with the OEM route, but being that my car is 11 years old with 170k miles, it doesn't make sense to spend even half the cost of original axles. I may go with EMPI, as I hear they are better than Cardone. Thanks for your suggestions.

Why are you replacing the entire axle? Most of the axle are either rebuilt or made in China.

You can reboot and install a new outer CV joint for a lot less and if you don't yank the axle off the diff you don't need to replace the seal.

https://www.amazon.com/FEBEST-1910-X...8T53TC7Q5Y537G

I guess I figured I would be better off with a new axle since my boots have been torn for almost two years now! Repairing the boot is not an option as I'm hearing ticking and clunking. That link you sent is for a new joint and boot, correct? I guess if I changed the actual CV joints and not just the boot I would be okay. Would you say the labor to replace the joint and boot is easier than the axle itself? I thought I would have to take the axle out just to do that repair. I do like that this route costs less...

Thanks!

Unless you are a DIYer bringing it in will cost you some bucks no matter if you replace the axle or just the joint and boot.

Replacing the CV joint is fairly easy if you have the right tool to take the CV joint off the axle.

Here's a link to see the tool in action.

Tool is available on eBay or Amazon I believe for under 60 bucks.

Once the joint is off you can just replace the torn boot.

I was planning on DIY for the axle. So can you clarify if I have to remove the axle to replace the joint and reboot? I didn't see the link. There isn't a DIY to replace the joints is there? I've seen axle replacement and rebooting DIY's but not actual joint replacement.

Sorry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOh43Wkmqnc

Thanks! I may do this instead of replacing the axle! I found this DIY, which seems pretty straight forward. Of course with the puller tool it will be even easier. Upallnight, can you confirm if this DIY covers everything I need to do to replace joint and boot?

BMW X5 CV Joint replacement, CV gaiter DIY.