CV axle source

[JohnnyDev]

I've found out I need at least one good cv axle but can't decide how to best go about sourcing one. First, I have 3 pairs of cv axles but I've found out one from the best pair (clean, no ripped boots, etc.) that I recently bought used is binding and rest all have ripped boots on one or both sides. I thought about just replacing the boot on one of them myself but wasn't sure what I might be getting into so I took all 5 to a local shop (I've searched and read bunch of old posts here and in other forums about bad quality of many rebuilt units so...) who quoted me $90 to rebuild one over the phone. Well, the guy took a look at all of them and plainly told me none were good candidate for rebuild and that my best bet is to just buy a fully rebuilt one.

I've been shopping around but don't know which one would be my best option besides trading the actual car (which would defeat the purpose) for BMW OEM one. Here are my options so I would appreciate any input if anyone has any recent experience or comments:

1. O'reilly - Master Pro Select (new) $73.99, Master Pro (rebuilt) $69.99 w/core xchg, Cardone (rebuilt) N/A.
2. NAPA - $64.43 (rebuilt) w/core xchg, Ultra-8 (new) $75.59
3. Advance Auto - GSP (new) $69.99

Has the quality of aftermarket rebuilt axles gotten any better and/or which one specifically is the "least worst" of the bunch? TIA.

[richardodn]

I recently bought a rear axle for my 325iX. These use the same rear axle as the 325e. I ordered it through NAPA but it was actually rebuilt by Cardone. The outer boot was incorrect and the axle itself had been sleeved. Needless to say I immediately returned it. Almost all the chain stores actually sell reman Cardone parts even if they are labeled with the house brand. The new ones are likely lower quality. When I was shopping, many of the reviews complained about the axles breaking. Check the reviews for any complaints. I ended up bring mine to a local remanufacturer (http://www.cvjreman.com/) who did the axles for $130 each. Your typical local shop can only clean and reboot them.

[JohnnyDev]

You've just nicely summarized all that I've been reading and researching on this subject. The local shop guy even told me his opinion the reason that these rebuilt ones are so low quality is they take bad axles as core exchange to begin with and just mostly clean and reboot them. If they had to do much more there is no way they would be able to sell them so cheap.

I think I'll just reinstall one of the axle with ripped boots but that don't bind for now so I can drive it until I can find either a good used one or a local shop that can actually refurbish them instead of just clean and reboot. Thanks.