The problems keep on coming (Driveline related)

**erikas3** · 05-04-2008 09:41 PM

Just earlier this week I had my mechanic change the rear wheel bearing that was causing so much noise. Great. I was finally satisfied with my car being all fixed mechanically. Well, I was wrong. I pulled off my front drivers side wheel to find it gunked up with gear oil. That can only mean one thing- CV boot. Well, it looks like my boot is fully ripped. Can someone advise me how hard of a job it would be to fix this by myself and the tools needed? (I would be ordering the ECS boot kit) I am really tired of paying all the money I make to the mechanic

.
(BTW, I still love my car

)
Thanks

**audinutt** · 05-05-2008 08:08 AM

Is it oil or grease?
Gear oil indicates a problem other than an axle.
If it's grease you've got a bad boot and need to replace the boot or axle.

-richard

**Oricle** · 05-05-2008 08:19 AM

Just replace the axle itself. Rebooting is a PITA, and you can find remanufactured axles from parts stores for very cheap, otherwise Raxles I've heard very good things about. Overall all it is a quick simple job.

**onemoremile** · 05-05-2008 02:32 PM

raxles.com will get you a full replacement axle with new CV joints installed and it comes with installation stuff like lube and gloves. You basically turn the wheel all the way and pop the axle out and slide the new one in. There are some more details and fasteners and whatnot but that is basically it. The only tough part is the massive hex bolt that holds the whole thing together. It is under the dust cap on the wheel and I had to have a garage blast it off with a big impact gun and then re-torque it so I could drive it home and get it off myself.

**loustylez** · 05-07-2008 12:19 PM

the job for me was a nightmare but that's because i f'd up the splines of the CV going back into the hub because i didn't get it in all the way before starting the car and reversing out of the garage.

this job SHOULD be easy if you do it right. if you want the experience, definitely go for it. helps to have someone else turn the wheel for you while you knock the TRE and upper control arm links out in order to get the hub back far enough. just follow the DIY on audiworld and it should be pretty straight forward.

**creechsa4** · 05-07-2008 12:41 PM

if you're not clicking as you turn, just replace the outer boot. just like any other vw axle. remove the axle with the 6 inner bolts holding it in. throw it on a vise and carefully hammer out the outer joint with boot still on. the boot acts as a cushion for the hammer. new c clip & boot & grease and you're in business. hardest part is removing the axle bolt.

**erikas3** · 05-07-2008 07:24 PM

Sorry guys. I've been away from this thread. The thing with my car is that its more like a whirring sound than it is a clicking. I really only notice it in low speeds.