that will work if you also remove the 36mm nut and then push the outer splined shaft through the hub .

:thumbup:Thank you

Maybe this was mentioned somewhere in this thread, but I didn't feel like slogging through ten pages... Where do you guys recommend purchasing new CV boots? Autohausaz has them for under $10, but Bavarian auto's are something like $36 per side. Any idea why such a big difference? Does higher price = better quality? I can only imagine how much the stealer would want for these - probably enough for a downpayment on a 2012 X5!

Go to Pelican auto parts web site.

Pelican Parts.com - Parts, Accessories and Technical Information for all BMWs.

Pelican shows two brands, one for $9.75, and one for $13. I saw somewhere in this thread someone state that many aftermarket boots are thinner than OEM, and therefore won't last as long, although my left one was replaced by the PO at the dealer about 20,000 miles ago, and it looks like it's already cracked, so maybe OEM is crap, too. Anyway, for another data point, OEMBimmerparts has them for $22.50 per side. Any idea if there is any difference in quality among all these widely varying prices?

Yes the OEM are crap, go with the GKN Loebro brand, they are listed as a supplier to BMW, not the Empi.

:iagree:EMPI are not worth the headache, trust me I know!!!

can't decide which end to disconnect for an easier job
 

I need to do this for the fronts of my brother's '05 X5, but I'm a little hesitant as to which approach is easier.

After reading this entire thread twice, I still can't decide which way to tackle this chore.
If I were to disconnect at the inner cv joint, I may run into problems with pulling-off/pressing-on of the tri-headed bearing segment.

If I were to disconnect at the outer cv joint, I may run into problems with pulling-off/pressing-on/hammering of the joint and fiddling with the circlip.

Can those of you who did this job push me in the right direction?

thanks

btw, I bought the cv boots (GKN Lobro) from rmeuropean.com, good prices and fast shipping.

I've had the pleasure (yeah right) of having to replace both front outer boots this summer, I found it easier to use the inner boot removal method. But if you go that route you need to be sure and get replacement clamps for the inner boot because you won't be able to reuse the old ones. I did some research and found a company that sells the bands that come with the boot kits, link below. As for the tri-head bearing, don't worry about it, it will come off, I used a small light weight hammer to tap it off, nothing too heavy. And don't worry if you knock one of the bearings off, they are just pressed on, just tap it back on. Also you will need to replace the grease in the inner boot, it's a different type of grease than the outer boot, it's a thinner grease used for the needle bearings in that joint.

https://www.belmetric.com/hose-clamp...age=1&sort=20a

Romeokc10, thanks for the link and the push toward removing the innner cv joint for this job.
I'm going to get the inner cv clamps, clamp tool, and the lighter cv grease and get it done this weekend.