E92 both front outer CV boots leaking

[moosejamal]

Car: 2009 335i xdrive coupe with Dinan stage 3 suspension (57k miles)

Boots on rear were replaced a year ago. Now the fronts have gone bad. You can see from photos below that boots look to be in decent shape other than the grease leaking out end, which is to say while the grease has come out, I doubt much dirt or water could have gotten in. The problem is I don't know how old the leak is, and while steering feels fine to me, would I be better off playing it safe and replacing the axles? Or should I just replace boots?

My other question is on cost - BMW of Fairfax wants $1,230 for new boots and have budgeted 6 hours of labor. I'll go with an indy so will pay less than that, but does anyone know what should be the approx cost of replacing front axles? I've heard parts cost is higher but labor cost less. Thanks!

[MarcoZandrini]

Are you sure that it’s CV joint grease that’s leaking? It’s all over the shaft which I don’t believe is the typical “spray pattern” for a CV leak.
You could repack the CV joints and install new clamps.

Have J&F Motors in Shirlington look at the car. They’ve been my go to indie shop for almost 30 years. The techs know what they’re doing.

4064 South Four Mile Run
Arlington VA 22206
*(703) 671-7757‬

[White94RX]

That's definitely axle boot grease. It doesn't have the typical spray pattern because it's leaking out the back of the boot. The boot itself isn't split open like the old days.

[moosejamal]

That's definitely axle boot grease. It doesn't have the typical spray pattern because it's leaking out the back of the boot. The boot itself isn't split open like the old days.

Does that mean all that needs to be done is repacking with grease and new clamps? Or are the boots bad and must be replaced? Thanks!

[moosejamal]

Are you sure that it’s CV joint grease that’s leaking? It’s all over the shaft which I don’t believe is the typical “spray pattern” for a CV leak.
You could repack the CV joints and install new clamps.

Have J&F Motors in Shirlington look at the car. They’ve been my go to indie shop for almost 30 years. The techs know what they’re doing.

4064 South Four Mile Run
Arlington VA 22206
*(703) 671-7757‬

Yes, pretty sure it's CV joint grease. Thanks for the comment and the recommendation. I've used J&F before. They replaced my rear boots a year ago and they still look new.

[White94RX]

Does that mean all that needs to be done is repacking with grease and new clamps? Or are the boots bad and must be replaced? Thanks!

I would replace them.