2002 BMW X5 Front CV Boot Replacement

CWINN1951

MEMBER
2002 BMW X5
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

I'm contemplating changing the boot myself - I'm reasonably competent and have a lift and air tools at my disposal. The boot has just recently begun throwing a small amount of grease, so the joint should still be OK.

I'm wondering how difficult it is to remove the front halfshaft on the X-5?

Will I need to dismantle the front suspension including compressing the spring, or does the shaft slide out with the suspension intact?

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

The repair you speak of will not require removal of the axle from the car. I leave the axle installed and remove the outside CV joint from the axle shaft as it is only held in with a snap clip. Release the boot clips and the lower control arms from the carrier so that access is gained to the boot area. Pull the carrier up and with a pair of vise-grips attached to the step in the axle shaft, drive the axle away from the outside CV joint, it usually only takes one good shot and you might need a helper to hold things. Once it pops out the boot can be replaced and the CV joint re-greased then when going back together, use care and a couple of pick tools to compress the retaining clip and then slip the axle back into the outside CV joint. Send me an E-mail with your phone# if you need to chat about it first. Adios amigo♥