I am pretty sure I have the P/N numbers and boot types listed in another thread. The hard boot has the larger axle shaft.

It would be interesting to find out if anyone has the type b axle with the hard boot original from the factory or was it just used as a BMW supplied update.

Wasn't the type B from the factory 3/2006->. On mine (9/2006) it only lists that version on the diagram.

That makes sense that maybe it was only from the factory on the very last ones made. I never checked to see if was the only one listed on the later ones, so maybe it was supplied as an update for the earlier vehicles ?? That's the kind of thing that can get interesting when you start having the axle rebuilders mixing and matching and boxing stuff under the same axle number. I put the hard boots on my type A axle but had to squish down the small end with the clamp so probably will fail there. I meant to do something different to get around the squishing on the second boot but was in too much of a hurry so that didn't get done. Both holding up well though so far :)

I bought the OE inner and outer kit from FCP, based on what popped up for my vin (2002 4.4i). I haven’t done the job yet, but will look at what boots and part numbers they sent, and put a caliper on my axle and the boot when I get a chance.

Do you actually have the hard boots on the car? I assume then you have never replaced them ??

A few years ago (then 250 tkm) I did a total overhaul on the car (all wishbones, bearings etc.). Also took the drive shafts apart and assembled them with fresh grease and new boots. Actually the old boots were still fine but did that as a preventative measure while they were off anyways.

Yeah the hard boots are much better. Good to hear ;)

Any chance you could post a pic and/or measure between clamps to give an idea how it looks with the small end attached at the right location on the axle shaft? I am assuming there is a ridge or depression on the shaft for the small end but I get the feeling it is different for the type A shaft so would be nice to know. :) Cheers :)

Hi gurus...

I saw a post "CV Boot in 30-min" lol....
Turned out they undo the INNER CV Joint to replace both boots.

I plan to remove the axle from the X5 for a proper cleaning and rebrease/reboot.

The Q is: is it easy to undo the E53 X5 INNER Tripod?

PS: In the 2004-2009 Volvo S60, it is virtually impossible to undo the INNER Tripod bc the stake-in is very hrad to remove.

Do you mean doing it in situ without removing the drive shaft? If you're trying to pull the tripod out of the cup you would still have to remove other parts to pull the hub on the side. And putting the inner joint back together in situ would be a bit difficult because the grease on tripod is guite liquid, more like oil. The tripod part is quite hard to remove from the axle. I would say you need a suitable puller for it. When I had my shaft apart it was much easier to remove the outer joint than trying to remove the tripod from the axle.

I will do the CV boot with axle out of the car.

This is the thread about 30-min CV Job lol.

I don't know how they separate the Tripod from the cup
so easily....

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...0-minutes.html