325 XI CV Joint/Axle replacement

cosmith22 · 08-12-2010, 02:49 PM

I have an '02 325XI with 165k on it, my car's front cv boots have been cracked for some time now, leading to joint/axle failure. I'm going to order the remanufactured axles through rockauto, as I can see that the FCP brand axles are crap. Anyway, couple questions. Is there anything else you guys would recommend doing while under the car with the axles off? I read that being I have an XI, the front control arms aren't as problematic as the RWD E46's. Any bushings, wheel bearings, hubs, anything like that that's a common problem or wear part on our cars? Also, I read that the grease for the inner boot is different than the outter boot - anyone know where to get the proper grease for it? Thanks a ton for your help in advance, idk what I'd do without this forum.

330ciandr6 · 08-12-2010, 04:57 PM

if you order the axles as a complete unit...why does it matter where to get the grease? just wondering. Check to see if your axle seals are leaking while you are in there. only thing i can think of....

aioros · 08-12-2010, 05:11 PM

Check my post for my cv axle replacement, it's not a diy but it may help. you may want to check the tie-rods, control arms inner and outter ball joints and bushings.

bombguy · 08-12-2010, 05:49 PM

Check the FCABS. Also, the dealer has the appropriate grease available.

MileHiXi · 08-12-2010, 05:58 PM

You don't need greese if you are replacing the entire axle.

Replace the radial seal no matter what.

bombguy · 08-12-2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MileHiXi

You don't need greese if you are replacing the entire axle.

Replace the radial seal no matter what.

They come "pre-packed" don't they? If so, you might be good, if not, refer to my previous post.

cosmith22 · 08-13-2010, 02:12 AM

Thank you so much guys, called a rep from rockauto and they do indeed come pre-packed. As far as the FCABs go, does anyone have a recommendation as to what brand is the best? I know "best" is a touchy word, but I've heard powerflex poly bushings being mentioned a lot on here and might as well get them unless someone has had a bad experience with em. Thanks again!

Kubica · 08-13-2010, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmith22

Thank you so much guys, called a rep from rockauto and they do indeed come pre-packed. As far as the FCABs go, does anyone have a recommendation as to what brand is the best? I know "best" is a touchy word, but I've heard powerflex poly bushings being mentioned a lot on here and might as well get them unless someone has had a bad experience with em. Thanks again!

Powerflex fcabs are a huge perf upgrade. You can get xi ones again now, or use centered e36 bushings (part# 401b).

I would also order the redline xi kit from Turner and replace your front diff fluid (all 4 fluids actually) while you are in there.

I have reman A1 cardone axles- they work great.

aioros · 08-13-2010, 10:27 AM

I used the ones from autohausaz made by sachs-boge (oes)

08-12-2010, 02:49 PM	#1
cosmith22 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rome, NY Posts: 27 My Ride: '02 325XI View My Garage	325 XI CV Joint/Axle replacement I have an '02 325XI with 165k on it, my car's front cv boots have been cracked for some time now, leading to joint/axle failure. I'm going to order the remanufactured axles through rockauto, as I can see that the FCP brand axles are crap. Anyway, couple questions. Is there anything else you guys would recommend doing while under the car with the axles off? I read that being I have an XI, the front control arms aren't as problematic as the RWD E46's. Any bushings, wheel bearings, hubs, anything like that that's a common problem or wear part on our cars? Also, I read that the grease for the inner boot is different than the outter boot - anyone know where to get the proper grease for it? Thanks a ton for your help in advance, idk what I'd do without this forum. Last edited by cosmith22; 08-12-2010 at 03:07 PM.

08-12-2010, 04:57 PM	#2
330ciandr6 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 6,593 My Ride: . View My Garage	if you order the axles as a complete unit...why does it matter where to get the grease? just wondering. Check to see if your axle seals are leaking while you are in there. only thing i can think of.... __________________ Have a oil or coolant leak? Click here!:http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...732&highlight= ABS/DSC/Brake/Airbag light on?? Click here!:http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...648&highlight=

08-12-2010, 05:49 PM	#4
bombguy Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 2,153 My Ride: 2004 M3 View My Garage	Check the FCABS. Also, the dealer has the appropriate grease available. __________________ 2004 JB KWv2, Spacers 15/F-10/R, MVR Rep, Alpine IDA-X305 w/ KCE-BT400 Bluetooth, Agency Power Exhaust, Khoalty AE's

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08-12-2010, 05:11 PM	#3
aioros Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Fontana,CA Posts: 42 My Ride: 2001 330xi auto View My Garage	Check my post for my cv axle replacement, it's not a diy but it may help. you may want to check the tie-rods, control arms inner and outter ball joints and bushings.

08-12-2010, 05:58 PM	#5
MileHiXi Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 884 My Ride: '02 330xi View My Garage	You don't need greese if you are replacing the entire axle. Replace the radial seal no matter what.

08-13-2010, 02:12 AM	#7
cosmith22 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rome, NY Posts: 27 My Ride: '02 325XI View My Garage	Thank you so much guys, called a rep from rockauto and they do indeed come pre-packed. As far as the FCABs go, does anyone have a recommendation as to what brand is the best? I know "best" is a touchy word, but I've heard powerflex poly bushings being mentioned a lot on here and might as well get them unless someone has had a bad experience with em. Thanks again!

08-13-2010, 10:27 AM	#9
aioros Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Fontana,CA Posts: 42 My Ride: 2001 330xi auto View My Garage	I used the ones from autohausaz made by sachs-boge (oes)