AlmostHappy

E500 4Matic always tears the inner boot of the driver front axle within a week of installing new. Aftermarket axle picture attached.
Is there a reason why? Is this common? I have noticed that the OEM boots are of a hard plastic VS a soft rubber on aftermarket axles. . I'm trying to avoid having to replace them over and over even if they are covered under warranty.

Worth Mentioning:
-Upper Control Arms are replaced
-Lower Ball Joints are replaced
-Sway Bar Links are replaced
-Stabilizer Bar has been replaced
-Lower Control Arms seem to be holding up great but have not been replaced

Thanks

Driver Front

AlmostHappy

I guess this isn't as common!?!

nd-photo.nl

Is the car lowered?

AlmostHappy

No, not lowered. It’s always the drivers side. Never the passenger’s side.

Ran Bilstein air struts and l had this issue. Recently converted to Strutmaster coils and continue to have this issue.

I’m going to replace the axle again sometime soon or when it starts to make noise.

I was hoping for a solution or even a clue before I commit to replacing the axle and to then only find myself with a torn inner boot yet again.

*** maybe my motor mounts need to be replaced?! I don’t have motor Mount symptoms though they are possibly shot anyway.

nd-photo.nl

Also no sharp edges around that might touch the boot in some way? Also check the belly pans for possible culprits

Engine mounts is not a bad idea to replace for a number of reasons. Your exhaust will be happier (less flex) and power delivery to the ground is better