Front axle replacement
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
e55 amg
Front axle replacement
Hello, my cv boot is torn and needs replacement. My mechanic suggests getting whole front axle, left side. Prices are all over the place. Oem is over $1200 and aftermarket is anywhere from $150-$450. Any good brand recommendations? Are refurbished good? Also, how much should I expect to pay for labor? And is this a task a novice can handle?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,690
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
mercedesbenzstarparts.com lists a shaft at $800. Boot repair kits are also listed at less than $100.
DIY is a relatively involved job, but doable. Brake rotor and caliper need to come off, and the hub nut needs to be removed, which requires high torque. I have used both non-pneumatic and pneumatic tools to do this job on prior vehicles. With non-pneumatic tools, there is some exertion involved.
WIS says the steering knuckle needs removed, which means upper ball joint, lower ball joint, tie rod end and stabilizer bar need disconnected. Lots of work, much of it heavy.
Shaft removal itself is not hard, it's getting to the shaft that is the issue.
OEM axle shafts are normally much higher priced than aftermarket. I have used aftermarket on a prior vehicle. I sold the vehicle before getting high mileage out of the shaft. I had no complaints in the time I drove the vehicle with the aftermarket shaft.
Suggestions:
- ask the dealer if a boot repair is an option. The question is not whether it is an option. It is. The question is whether or not they will offer this alternative to you.
- ask an indy shop for a replacement estimate
DIY is a relatively involved job, but doable. Brake rotor and caliper need to come off, and the hub nut needs to be removed, which requires high torque. I have used both non-pneumatic and pneumatic tools to do this job on prior vehicles. With non-pneumatic tools, there is some exertion involved.
WIS says the steering knuckle needs removed, which means upper ball joint, lower ball joint, tie rod end and stabilizer bar need disconnected. Lots of work, much of it heavy.
Shaft removal itself is not hard, it's getting to the shaft that is the issue.
OEM axle shafts are normally much higher priced than aftermarket. I have used aftermarket on a prior vehicle. I sold the vehicle before getting high mileage out of the shaft. I had no complaints in the time I drove the vehicle with the aftermarket shaft.
Suggestions:
- ask the dealer if a boot repair is an option. The question is not whether it is an option. It is. The question is whether or not they will offer this alternative to you.
- ask an indy shop for a replacement estimate
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 140
Likes: 9
From: Maine
Land Cruiser, LC200
You're on a bit of a bad luck streak. I've used aftermarket rebuilt ones on other cars in the past and haven't had any issues. Let us know what you end up doing, I've got a torn boot to deal with at some point as well, but I don't drive much so it's low on my list. Still considering getting a tune, waiting for your results!
