CV Boot Replacement
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AudiWorld Member
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CV Boot Replacement
The shop just called. My '02 is in getting the front air bags replaced under CPO and they found both front outter CV boots are cracked. They want about $600 to replace the pair.
Here's the question - I'm pretty handy but I've never done CV boots before. Is this something pretty straightforward? I've been looking around for a writeup and I'm finding a lot of mention of pinch bolts, but I haven't found a procedure for changing the outter CV boots.
Any insight? Thanks.
Here's the question - I'm pretty handy but I've never done CV boots before. Is this something pretty straightforward? I've been looking around for a writeup and I'm finding a lot of mention of pinch bolts, but I haven't found a procedure for changing the outter CV boots.
Any insight? Thanks.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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If the shop is doing both front air springs and is trying to charge 600
for the boots I'd find another shop. Most shops will charge around 200 for each boot, when you do the spring your halfway into the cv boot job. They shouldn't charge more than a C note each side for the boots..
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV
DIY you do not need to mess with the pinch bolts. Of course you may have brand new pinch bolts in
there after the airbag replace. Especially if the boots are just cracked and not broken $600 is just crazy. You can get the boots for less than $50 and it should take you less than 3 hours. There is a how to in the tech that will get you going. I got my boots off of ebay but you may want to order them from genuinevwaudiparts.com or carson at riverside.
If you do not have new pinch bolts in, you can remove the inner bolt (at the subrame) of the rear lower control arm. With any tools you may need to buy, you are looking at 3hrs and maybe $100<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel.html">CV method</a></li></ul>
If you do not have new pinch bolts in, you can remove the inner bolt (at the subrame) of the rear lower control arm. With any tools you may need to buy, you are looking at 3hrs and maybe $100<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel.html">CV method</a></li></ul>
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Doing mine. Not too hard. Re: CV Boot Replacement
My ar is in for the winter so getting them done quickly not a priority. My experience outlined in previous posts (search on "slide hammer tool deprived) and previous. Dealer boots (Calgary Alberta) $180. for 2 outers, didn't dare ask what the labor would be! Boots from Carson at Riverside about $70.
My axle shafts (03, 2.7tip) are hollow so a claw puller does not work. Did not have to mess with pinch bolts, dropped lower arm and wiggled hard. Chose not to pull entire shaft, just pulled joint off with inner still connected (see recently patented tool which I can get you into for next to nothing). Won't get new boots on for a week or 2 (it's minus 10C outside so the garage is a little chilly) so can't yet say the entire job is straightforward but has been so far.
At $150-180 a side I would go indy unless you want the experience. At Glenmore Audi's prices there is no way a dealer should do it.
My axle shafts (03, 2.7tip) are hollow so a claw puller does not work. Did not have to mess with pinch bolts, dropped lower arm and wiggled hard. Chose not to pull entire shaft, just pulled joint off with inner still connected (see recently patented tool which I can get you into for next to nothing). Won't get new boots on for a week or 2 (it's minus 10C outside so the garage is a little chilly) so can't yet say the entire job is straightforward but has been so far.
At $150-180 a side I would go indy unless you want the experience. At Glenmore Audi's prices there is no way a dealer should do it.
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