REPLACING FRONT DRIVE AXLES AND OTHER RELATED PARTS
 

Changing the half shafts on my E53 because my boots are cut and I have grease everywhere on one side and the other side is dry.

So my question is do I buy it from the dealer the two halves for close to $2,000 or do I go after market for $200. 00? Also the control arms , same thing do I get them from the dealer, do I buy after market, do I go to the junk yard if the bushings are still good in them?

Thanking in advance for any input.

Or replace the split boots for $20....

Just sayin' ;)

I didn't think about that thank you

Go to FCPEuro and search for "GKN" brand CV Boots for your car.

Just did this job on my car. Both boots split for some time and grease everywhere... even on one back wheel. I got it this way, previous owner must have rotated tires but not fixed the boots!
Car only has 90K mi and inner CV's were fine so I purchased a pair of outer CV joints (Meyle, made in Germany) from FCP for about $65 ea includes boots, grease and crimp bands etc. Was an easy job with the right tools. Did the control arms, bushings and ball joints as well. Got everything from FCP... lifetime warranty!
my car (work in progress)... New Page 4

If the joints are not making a clicking sound when they are turning I would keep the original axles and just reboot. If they are making a clicking sound I would just replace the joint and boot and keep the original axles.

FCP has BMW CV Axle Shaft - GKN 31607618681 for $300.00.

1+,

- If the CV joint itself is good (even though the boot was cracked),
Then clean the old grease. Clean the balls.
Minor imperfection with minor scoring of the tracks is not
significant.

- Good to know Meyle CV joint is made in Germany. Wonder if GKN makes
CV joint available for E53. I know the whole GKN axle can be bought at FCP for
$250.

Advance auto... so quick and easy. Mine fit perfect. Just expect a larger spline nut.