Replacing front axles
 

I had my car up on the lift today to discover that both outer CV boots on the front axles were beyond toast. I want to replace them with quality parts but I want to be budget conscious when ordering parts. Can anyone suggest a brand or supplier for these components that wont break the bank? I am seeing prices range from 50-60 a side all the way up to 300-400 a side with no real explanation as to why? Is there a difference in axles? I'm seeing some say with an ABS ring?
2001 BMW X5 3.0i Sport Utility - Axles, Bearings & Differential - Page 1
www.rockauto.com

I will ask my Indy and get back to you. I replaced both for 900 parts and labour, or less.. Can't recall.

The 60 dollar axles are cheap Chinese aftermarket.

The gkn loebro axles are true oem and about 265-300 per side.

Have you considered Raxles? They use oem cores with brand new joint parts, new grease, boots etc.

You send them the cores after yours are swapped, they cost 250 per side if I recall correct, the owner is an awesome dude who takes pride in his product. You would be extremely happy with your result.

Www.raxles.com

Some have had good success with the Chinese axles but me personally I don't trust it on my car. I preventatively replace the boots early so that my axles don't fall short of life on me.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...0-minutes.html

This link will help answer all these questions as everyone has had one of these challenges. You can rebuild it yourself (clean, repack, and reboot) not too big of a challenge. I have a shop near me that has used the Rockauto shafts with no issues. As mentioned they are a cheap alternative. Remans that are rebuilt locally will last as long as the OE. Just plan on checking the boots on every oil change. Give them a longer life by spraying them down with some rubber protector as it will keep them flexible through the seasons.

My own I pulled the shafts, cleaned the joints, and then repacked them with new boots, as I had just a tear with no dirt, rust, water etc inside.

Good luck as this is not a big challenge. Just read the link and choose a path- Rebuild, replace, clean and reboot. Just depends on what you find inside.