Torn rear passenger inner cv boots...advice needed

[zhan28]

Hey guys, as title states, my Rear passenger inner CV boot is torn. I don't notice any significant symptoms, other than drops of fluid under my car after a night of sitting, which prompted me to look under the car. Any rec regarding sourcing the part and what should be replaced? I.e. cv boot only vs entire half axle? The diff looks okay and no leaks. Rest of the axle looks okay as well including outer cv boots. Thanks in advance for the help. See pics for reference.

[pbonsalb]

Replace it before the grease is all out and the CV is moving dry. Have you ever taken apart a CV before? It’s much much easier to take them apart than to get all the balls back in the cage. Some try and give up, but if you read about how to do it and understand and are patient you can do it. Or you can pay someone or buy a rebuilt axle.

[zhan28]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Replace it before the grease is all out and the CV is moving dry. Have you ever taken apart a CV before? It’s much much easier to take them apart than to get all the balls back in the cage. Some try and give up, but if you read about how to do it and understand and are patient you can do it. Or you can pay someone or buy a rebuilt axle.

I haven't done this before. I just ordered the inner boot kit from FCP euro, hopefully the cv joint is salvageable. When you say replace, are you referring to the whole half axle assembly, cv joint, or cvj boot? Any reference literature I can read up on? The extent of my mechanical expertise includes changing shocks/struts on the m3, and most maintenance items. Thanks.

[pbonsalb]

To replace the boot, you have to pull the axle and disassemble the inner CV joint.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...t-Boot-Replace

If you aren’t up to that job and don’t want to pay a shop what it will cost to do it, look into rebuilt axles. You get new boots and rebuilt CV joints. For at least some applications, they are surprisingly cheap. Not sure about the E9xM3, though.

If you are in NH, I know someone who has done a bunch of BMW axles.

[atopa2002]

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1581859

[zhan28]

Originally Posted by atopa2002

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1581859

I've pm'd that guy already but no response. Ended up buying a used one in good condition for $180 shipped on eBay. Will post back when I get it in.