Xoutpost.com - Question about axle brands

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Pretty sure there won't be any surprises

I've changed the axles and or boots on front-wheel drive vehicles before, so I am not sure what you mean by "it's own set of challenges". The job looks really simple in the video and I don't see how I could have any kind of problem. Just changing the torn boot would still require removing and replacing the axle plus the added labor of disassembly, cleaning, regreasing and reassembly. I even have the tool to clinch the bands that hold the boot on. Replacing a boot is considerably more labor than just swapping the axle and worth the added part cost to me with the bonus that both boots are new.

AceEngineer :cool:

I also went with OEM GKN complete axles on my 4.6is for right under $200 for each.
I know it's fair big debate about how it's not cost effective vs replacing boot only.
My reason is that with this I get everything new for reasonable price plus I changed the seals where they connect to front diff in procces.
The axles are made in Spain and the whole asembly looks and feels high quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attacking Mid (Post 1193851)

I've read a number of reports on forums of people using cheap axles with decent results. When I discovered a torn boot and couldn't wait to order a GKN boot, I put on a $65 Carquest axle from Adv. AP. That was almost 2 years ago, and it's been working fine. I kept my old axle with a torn outer boot and plan to clean it up and re-boot it so it's ready when the cheapie axle fails eventually.

AM.

Turns out about 3 years is the life expectancy of the Carquest axle. The axle is still working fine, but I noticed the boots are failing. This was my cue that it was time to take the old original axle off the shelf, clean up the outer CV joint and re-assemble with fresh grease and a new GKN boot.

I was replacing the thrust arm bushings and ball joints in preparation to sell my E53 when I noticed the CV boot issues. That added some time to my repair since I ended up having to remove the stiffener plate to get the old axle out. Oh well, I had bought new aftermarket stiffener plate bolts that needed installed anyway.

Attachment 80941

Attachment 80942

AM.

Yeah… GKN from FCP with lifetime warranty is under my “just replace it” price threshold for the X5.

I’ve rebooted 325iX axles many times. The E30 passenger front axle runs too close to the exhaust, so the boots last about 20k miles.

I like CVJ axles out of Denver...rebuilt OEM axles...Have used them several times. They do charge a core charge, but I kept my orig axle and will reboot it if/when needed.