Axle Boot Replacement - Outboard Shaft ???
 

Just about finished replacing the drivers side outer cv boot but had one question. How is the outboard shaft supposed to feel when reinstalled onto the axle shaft? Is it supposed to feel stiff or smooth when the outboard shaft is being moved around?


I'm referring to the first axle part in the picture below.
http://www2.partstrain.com/store/ima...e/A1609255.jpg

It should feel kinda stiff (like a spoon in a jar of peanut butter --best way I can describe it) but there shouldn't be any grinding when you move it around.

This is just from experience changing quite a few broken axles...

I know a new axle is supposed to feel stiff as you describe, but I've never just replaced an outer boot before and was curious if it was supposed to feel like a new axle would. The outboard shaft feels smooth when moving it around but isn't stiff at all. no grinding, no clicks, nothing jams or gets stuck, moves around in all directions without a problem. I'm figuring the new axle has reconditioned/replaced parts that need time to settle or break in?

I would figure the same thing too. I've never actually changed just the boots on past repairs that I've done (always just replaced the whole axle) It would probably feel a lot looser when replacing just the boot since everything is already worn in while a brand new / remanufactured axle would feel a lot stiffer.

I had replaced two front axles a few years ago on an AWD car and the axles were really stiff (they were remanufactured) I was a little worried since I felt they were really stiff and may cause some issues but after installing them and driving around, they worked fine. I did keep an eye on them for a while but no issues ever until I sold the car many miles later.

New axles feel stiffer when the outboard shaft is moved around because the internals have not worn itself in. Its nothing to be concerned about.

I just opted to swap out the boot since I really felt like everything was clean and nothing clicked. The x5 is back together and no problems so far. I'll assume its ok for now.