Ripped Inner CV Boot - Replace whole axle?

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

To me it seems good insurance to do the whole axle as they can be had for pretty cheap - $130.00 ish online vs what $30-$40 for a boot kit? But I figure I’d ask in case it was overkill. Do most people replace the whole axle or just the boot?

#2

I’ve always done the whole axle because cv joint grease is vile and I’d rather just pop in an axle in an hour than fight with repacking the joint.

But then again I also already had shitty chinese axles on the car, if you are still on oem I’d keep the oem and repack.

#3

Just do the whole thing new.

#4

I am in this dilemma right now. I’ve done the replacing boots and whole CV joints. As others have said it’s not a lot of fun. You already have to remove the 6 bolts to get the axle out, might as well just replace the whole unit for a little more money.

Now I am in the cheapo chinese unit vs. oem one dilemma. I can get one from Advanced Auto Parts or Autozone for $75-95. I thought I remembered the EMPI ones that JHM and others sell were cheaper than the $160 that I saw on their site. For $199 you can get an axle from Raxles with brand new OEM joints.

#5

I use the EMPI ones from autoanything.com. Full warranty and they aren’t a cheap Chinese no-name. I wouldn’t be shocked if OEM is made by EMPI.

#6

I can get the empi ones for 128.00 so that’s what I’ll do. Thanks all.

#7

if it’s like $50 to avoid grease, $50 well spent!

#8

I havent had the best luck with the empi ones, it may be different with the newer chassis axels though

#9

My only issue with the EMPI is that the shaft rusts(just surface, it will take a long time to rust through solid steel). So if you like your shaft clean and shiny, go oem.

#10

between 2 axles I had 3 boots fail pretty quickly

#11

They do rust but its more surface they use a lot of nickel in that style of part

Still it would take so long for it to rust to the point of structure weakness that you would never really have to worry about it

#12

i purchased the left side from JHM, haven’t had a moment to install it due to my home renovations, hope it lasts

#13

For those of you who have done an axle swap is the axle bolt (the large middle one at the hub) a stretch bolt or is it reusable?

Thanks

#14

It is supposed to be replaced after removal (like almost any bolts suspension related)

that being said I have known people to re-use it without major issue, but it is not recommended.