I was under our '99 Passat last weekend and noticed that the outer cv joint boots were both leaking. The indy shop that we go to says that new axles are the most economical now; something like $250 a side. Boot alone with repack is $200. They get their axles from NAPA. I asked about remanned axles and was told that they are only slightly less expensive. Are new axles the best way to go now? I assume the new axles are made in China?
'99 Passat--New Axles--Good Bet?
- Thread starter ET16
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if your CV boot has been torn for quite sometime (so that moisture, rain, grit, etc. managed to creep in and cause accelerated wear to the bearing balls, etc.), then you are better of replacing the entire CV axle(s) instead of repacking the worn CV.
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Unfortunately I can see why the labor for a boot alone is almost the same as replacing the axle, it's about the same amount of work.
For less than 100 bucks? I guess new is the way to go (assuming remanned axle would fall between the 200 repack and 250 new axle price)
For less than 100 bucks? I guess new is the way to go (assuming remanned axle would fall between the 200 repack and 250 new axle price)
Try calling a place called Raxles. They are the best place to get axles from if they carry your application.
Don't throw out your OEM axles! Rebuild & reboot them - VW's axles are very, very good and none of the aftermarket suppliers come close.
Raxles always comes up in these discussions and I've heard about a 50/50 split on if they were any good, with half of the people raving about them and the other half ranting.
Depending on where you are in MD, there may be better mechanics available. I lived in Baltimore for a year-ish and found a couple good, trustworthy independents.
Raxles always comes up in these discussions and I've heard about a 50/50 split on if they were any good, with half of the people raving about them and the other half ranting.
Depending on where you are in MD, there may be better mechanics available. I lived in Baltimore for a year-ish and found a couple good, trustworthy independents.
Boot and repack is the way to go, IIRC boot kit was around $40 on my 2000 Glx. GOOD INFO http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/cvjoints/
With the number of people I've seen complain about both quality and fit of aftermarket CV axles, another option is a low-mileage junkyard replacement.
For my application, the nearest yard has CV axles w/26k miles for just over half the cost of an aftermarket replacement. I checked recently when I thought an axle was failing - the "clicking" I heard turned out to be the pleats on the left outer boot rubbing together on sharp turns at low speed.
For my application, the nearest yard has CV axles w/26k miles for just over half the cost of an aftermarket replacement. I checked recently when I thought an axle was failing - the "clicking" I heard turned out to be the pleats on the left outer boot rubbing together on sharp turns at low speed.
Be glad you have aftermarket options. According to GSP and NCV my car does not exist.
If leaking C/V boots go too long, it will destroy the joints.
Yours don't sound that bad yet.
When they are toast, it is always wise to get the whole rebuilt axle.
Otherwise, it's up to your skill and time for a repacking and rebooting.
Yours don't sound that bad yet.
When they are toast, it is always wise to get the whole rebuilt axle.
Otherwise, it's up to your skill and time for a repacking and rebooting.
The general feeling among the VW community is that as long as the original axle you have is still in good condition, you should REUSE the OEM unless damaged or perhaps the mileage is 150k plus.
I tend to agree I have had two outer LF boots fail at 60k and again at 118k and both times I had the shop clean, regrease and reboot the OEM and no problems.
I think the case may be quite different with Asian or US vehicles.
The OEM German axles on BMW, VW, MB are higher quality and built for as many as 200k miles as long as they are not abused (eg letting the boot open for too long, accident damage)
I tend to agree I have had two outer LF boots fail at 60k and again at 118k and both times I had the shop clean, regrease and reboot the OEM and no problems.
I think the case may be quite different with Asian or US vehicles.
The OEM German axles on BMW, VW, MB are higher quality and built for as many as 200k miles as long as they are not abused (eg letting the boot open for too long, accident damage)
Yes ET, I think you could, make sure that the shop cleans the joints as much as possible and then use the OEM VW grease as well (very high quality stuff= Liquimoly)
Good site for VW is VWvortex.com they have specific model forums and one for your model as well. I think you'll enjoy it over there.
Good site for VW is VWvortex.com they have specific model forums and one for your model as well. I think you'll enjoy it over there.
For badly torn boots, 2 weeks is about it for grease retention and any hope of the parts being really good.
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