TheSamba.com :: View topic - front axle

Fri Nov 06, 2020 3:32 pm

Ok - so I recently replaced the a pair of CV boots on driver side rear of my '86 Triple Knob Syncro. The previous owner installed the 930 axles back there, and put new boots on. Unfortunately one had torn. I replaced that. (actually my mechanic did it with my help).

While it was up on the lift - I looked at the front axle boots, and noticed some fatigue or aging cracks on those boots. These look a bit older. I figure I ought to replace these- not immediately, but should be high on my list, as I don't want them to crack open over the winter.

I'm looking at new boot - and recall my mechanic saying that usually you just replace the whole axle. He was speaking generally, not about VW's specifically.

Anyway - I see new boot covers - then I also see GoWesty sells new axles for $100 or $280 each. When I figure in labor (as I can't do this job myself) I'm trying to decide if I should just get a new axle - or take the existing axles out and repack with grease and put new boots on. I also see Burley sells front axle kits... for like $2,000! I am sure these are a great product, but I'm not doing any hardcore off road driving - mostly on road, ice, and over snow...

I've searched the list - but most posts are a few years old - and I know the quality of parts changes over the years...

Anyone use those CV boot protectors? something like this - https://www.amazon.com/SealSavers-ProSeries-Savers-Saver-Protection/dp/B07XL4T3BX

Lastly - anyone make a split CV boot? I recall replacing these on my '65 Kombi - and it did not require removing an axle - they made them either whole - or split, so you didn't have to remove the axle.

I guess I'm looking for some advice on this.

thanks...

Fri Nov 06, 2020 4:11 pm

There are piles of threads on this. It is hard to beat the OEM CV quality, which with sufficient grease will last 300K miles or more. Lobro boots are usually good, but every make out there seems to have highs and lows. There is a recent thread of people trying OEM boots from other VW products.

You mechanic wants something that is quick and easy and will last a year or two until you tire of you present rig and buy something else, for a long term owner having a CV that will last a lifetime makes better sense.

Fri Nov 06, 2020 7:33 pm

I've read a few of the threads - none seem too recent. SO I was not sure if there were some things I should be aware of now.

I don't know if my front CV joints are original or not. My odometer is around 320,000 miles.

I've read mixed reviews of Lobro boots. I've seen the option of the Tiguan boot - which sounds great. I don't know how to tell if that is compatible with my CV joints - I also thought that was for rear CV boots - I thought the front were different?

My mechanic is not forcing me to get the axle - he just said that is what he is used to. I'm just trying to understand what my options are - and which is a bad idea.

I get - original CV joints are best. I don't know how to tell if I have my original ones or not. I don't think I can afford $2,000 for the new burley axles...So do I
1) take the existing axles off - and analyze them/replace the boots
2)Wait for the boots to crack - then replace or
3) get new axles from GoWesty - pop them in - and take the existing ones apart, and clean, lube, install new boots - and set aside for when I may need them again....

Fri Nov 06, 2020 9:21 pm

1!

Take them out, clean them up, assess them (or post pics here), add new grease, boots, and bolts!

If the joints look bad, keep the axle and get new joints.