MikeReno13

I just picked up a 2001.5 S4 and both front boots are torn. I did some low speed turns and didnt hear any clicking from either side, but the torn boots have been diven on for a while I think.

I found a place to replace both front boots for $240 parts and labor. I have checked a bunch of places and they all say that replacing the axles will cost me much more in labor. Which from what I read while searching shouldnt be true. The best price I could find to replace the axles themselves was $165 per axle for parts and $360 labor, so almost $800 after everything.

SHould I go ahead and replace the axles, or just the cv boots at this point? Car has about 69k miles on it now. If i replace the whole axle, does that include the inner and outer boots? TIA

DriveS4spd

My 0.02$

Jms3

First, how much grease is still in the boot?

If there is a good amount and no sand or grit, just change the boot. You take off the joint in this process so if once you get in there it is busted up, you can then decide to replace the joint.

2nd. The boot is a $17 part. Labor is not difficult, generally. I did mine with a friend a couple of weeks ago and it took some time, but generally not hugely difficult. It took us 2 hours since my lower ball joints refused to pop, but we got a workaround off AW.

3rd. Replacing axle may not be necessary since you can just replace the CV joint (around $190 part). Replacing the joint is the same as replacing the boot, since the joint has to come off when doing the boot anyway.

I've had good success getting basic parts from these guys http://www.audicarparts.com/

joec500

They cost about 200 bucks, shipping included and if you car has 69k miles, having fresh brand new axles is not a bad idea. Also my local tech charged me one hour of labor each side. so that cost about 140 bucks on labor... So less than $600 for parts and labor for fresh CV's is the best way to go, because those CV joints will go sooner than later, even with new boots.

MikeReno13

Thats what i want to do, but the best labor quote I can get is 5.5 hours

bertworks(dan@jhm)

2nd, I couldnt ask for any better service from raxles and marty is a great guy.

joec500

It's literally one stretch bolt at the hub and a few Allen bolts at the TransAxle. Also I believe he undid the lower control arm. Reno is about a 2-3hour drive from the Bay Area. Call Jason at Stasis and ask what they would charge for CV swaps I gurantee it's less than 5 hours.

curbside crackdealer

Mine was changed out curbside in under an hour.

MikeReno13

Is there a faq for this?

SAC-CA-GTI

Just wondering...drive down the hill and I can do it for you. Each shaft is a 30 minute job IF that. I wouldn't spend the money on the whole axle. Insides RARELY go bad. I'd replace the outers if you don't know how long they've been run. By two kits from PURE MS ($165ea). They use the stock GKN CV joints and it comes with everything. Pay a shop at MOST, $140 (2 hrs) to swap them. Then your done. Or do it your self. It's VERY easy if you have the tools.