[Harry815]

I had a regular oil change done at the dealer and they noted that the right front axle boot is torn.

They said to replace the axle assembly would be $3600 CAD + tax and this would replace the entire axle shaft as the torn boot has damaged the axle internally.

I nearly fell off my chair when I heard the price estimate.

I'm curious: What would happen if you just keep driving like this, would the damage spread even further? And I wonder if checking out an indy mechanic would be better given the price?



Thanks in advance guys.

[Joe-BMW33]

I would definitely get a second opinion from an Indy. I highly doubt your axle is damaged if you aren’t experiencing symptoms and I assume you aren’t.

It’s not uncommon for boots to get damaged or wear out. Sounds like the dealer is looking for some money. That boot is like $20 bucks. Looks to me like it’s just ripped. Of course I can’t tell from the pic if what is showing is damaged. I doubt it though.

[Harry815]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I would definitely get a second opinion from an Indy. I highly doubt your axle is damaged if you aren’t experiencing symptoms and I assume you aren’t.

It’s not uncommon for boots to get damaged or wear out. Sounds like the dealer is looking for some money. That boot is like $20 bucks. Looks to me like it’s just ripped. Of course I can’t tell from the pic if what is showing is damaged. I doubt it though.

Thanks, will definitely check with an Indy. No issues while driving at all. These things are tricky - either address it and pay up, or wait and not know if you're doing more damage that way.

[adhrp]

Def get another opinion from an indy. I have had dealerships lie through their teeth trying to get me to replace perfectly fine parts. Second opinions have often saved the day.

[HerkHealer]

I've replaced the front axles on my AWD SUV 3 or 4 times. Relatively easy to do. Pop rotor, caliper and the wheel bearing off, remove a few things such as brake lines, use a pry bar to pop the axle out, and install new axle ensuring it seats in place properly.

I would laugh at the SA who told me $3500. Go to an Indy shop or any good mechanic you know. It's a fairly easy job.
Depending on how many miles you have, you may consider doing the wheel bearings now too.

[430Scud]

Generally, when the boot splits like that and spits out the grease, there is no damage to the constant velocity bearings. But, if you let it go for many months, dirt and water can infiltrate and damage the CV joint. I would definitely have it inspected by a trusted independent BMW specialist, but in most cases, the axle can be removed, the CV joint cleaned and repacked with grease and a new boot installed.

[Chappers 71]

You can get replacement CV boots that don’t require CV joint removal


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145395010...iABEgLMD_D_BwE

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

You can get replacement CV boots that don’t require CV joint removal


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145395010...iABEgLMD_D_BwE

I would not recommend the use of those. There is a reason shops and dealers don't use them...highly likely to fail.

[padresu]

mine tore exactly the same spot, at 100 ooo miles.
replace both boots - if CV joints are in good shape and damage is recent
or replace axle - expensive way to go

[JMD]

Originally Posted by Harry815

I had a regular oil change done at the dealer and they noted that the right front axle boot is torn.

They said to replace the axle assembly would be $3600 CAD + tax and this would replace the entire axle shaft as the torn boot has damaged the axle internally.

I nearly fell off my chair when I heard the price estimate.

I'm curious: What would happen if you just keep driving like this, would the damage spread even further? And I wonder if checking out an indy mechanic would be better given the price?

Attachment 3422823

Thanks in advance guys.

I once had a front axle replaced on X5 and I'm sure the total cost was less than $2k (US). Had I taken care of the issue more timely, I could have just had the boot replaced and axle grease refilled appropriately. It's not rocket science.

[BlueSander]

bring it out to indy shop. I had my boots replaced for the old F10 535i for around $600.

Do NOT buy aftermarket boots! They sucks and original parts are dirt cheap! Nobody stocks them so you have to wait for shipping.

BMW axles are crazy expensive, even if you go with aftermarket ones, so do yourself a favor, check the boots periodically and change the boots immediately when you see problem. Once the humping noise starts, you are guaranteed to be out at least 1k extra.

[sguida]

I replaced both on my 2017. BMW did boot only on drivers side. Indy shop did boot and axel on passengers side. They said it doesn’t nake sense to just do boot, need to take axel apart anyway.
Bmw boot $1600
Indy boot and axel $2300

My mechanical breakdown insurance paid for both. Good for 7 more years.

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by sguida

I replaced both on my 2017. BMW did boot only on drivers side. Indy shop did boot and axel on passengers side. They said it doesn’t nake sense to just do boot, need to take axel apart anyway.
Bmw boot $1600
Indy boot and axel $2300

My mechanical breakdown insurance paid for both. Good for 7 more years.

No, what Indy shop said is wrong there! The original axles are very well built. You only have to replace the axle if and only if you detected the problem too late, the grease dried up and your axles were making humming noise. A quick test drive should provide enough info here.

Yes, the axle has to be taken apart, cleaned up and regrease for a proper boot replacement which means BMW would have charged you less for labor on an axle replacement vs new boot.

I'm assuming they got you a new axle from BMW which should be around $1400-1500, then labor there was $800 which is really steep. If it was aftermarket, the labor there is over 1k for just an axle. CRAZY!

My local BMW is charging $265/hr nowadays while paying their tech $20-40/hr. This place is charging you way too much! Anyhow, good thing you had insurance. It definitely paid for itself there.

[sguida]

If I didn’t have insurance, I would have had bmw do the boot or shoped around gor cheaper price. With insurance, I didn’t care, i had $250 deductible no matter what.

[Harry815]

Hey guys, so I had the boot replaced and re-greased from a trusted Indy shop that has a good reputation, for $600. Much better than the $4k quote from the dealer!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Harry815

Hey guys, so I had the boot replaced and re-greased from a trusted Indy shop that has a good reputation, for $600. Much better than the $4k quote from the dealer!

Nice outcome!