CVJ Axles
 

I have a question about the rebuilt axles from CVJ in Denver.

Concerning the rubber boots they put on the older can-style W123 axles, are they as thick as the OEM boots, or are they the thin boots that are made to be installed with a flex gun?

A tech there told me that their boots are aftermarket but they don't use flex guns to install them. He doesn't know the thickness though.
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it's likely they use standard aftermarket boots. they cut off the original cans, and machine the parts, then install larger balls, and new cans, and boots.
I prefer original rebooted axles from cars with intact oe boots. the original metal is FAR superior to machined metal.
I'll be out of my axles soon, so I will then be offering the flexx gun for rental, lemme know if you are interested in either.

When I put CVJ axles on my '85 300D-T (W123, OM617) the rubber of the boots felt as thick as the original factory material. I recommend CVJ.

My last set of CVJs lasted about 5-6 years/250-300k miles before the boots failed about a year apart. I have replaced them both within the last year. I think that is decent mileage for a set of axles. I might have gotten more miles by rebooting them, but I figured they were due for replacement anyway.

I have a set of CVJ's and they appear to be as thick as the original boots.




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Here is a thread with pics where the person rebooted with the Factory type boots.
AXLE Boot Link cutting the CANS
http://boostnbenz.1baddsm.com/DIY/CVboots/

If you want to see the pics better it may be needed to Photo shop them to lighen them up to see the details and enlarge them.

Flexx Boot also sells a simiilar Boot made of Silicone. It was said it is for Front Wheel Drive Vehicles for use on the end of the Axle next to the Engine.

Maybe someone will chime in and say how long they have had their Flexx Boots or the similar Dorman product on their Vehicles and if they had any issues.

I have Cardone Rebuilt Axles on my Car for 3 years not. But, I guess I have only around 17,000 miles on the Car durning that time. So far no problems with Axles or Boots.

I also have Cardone rebuilts, took advantage of the lifetime warranty from Kragen Auto and replaced both once because the cans were leaking after 1 1/2 years. The cans are leaking a little grease again this time after 2 years, might warranty it again now with O'Reilly Auto Parts. What pain though. FWIW, both sets of axle joints were solid and smooth.



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You actually accumulated over 250K in just 5 to 6 years?

I agree, but unfortunately the boots made for installation with a flex gun are considerably thinner than the OE boots.

Yup, I currently drive my 300D about 40-50k per year on business travel. Stuff tends to wear out if you use it that much.

Clearly CVJ has a better rep the Cardone or other rebuilders; at least on the variousl Mercedes forums.

It had only been some months since I bought the Car when I installed mine. At that time it was the only Car I had that ran and I was also desperate for any sort of knowledge about the car at all.

I all most bought the stock Boots not knowing what I would have to do to install them and at that time I had not seen the VID showing that guy stretching the Flexx Boot with the ATF Funnel.

So for me the Cardone Axles were a good solution. They got my Car Back on the Road Fast.

I am having a leak between the Differential and one of the Axles. I cleaned it off so that I could inspect it more closely after I had driven it to see if it was the Axle or the Differential Seal.
Well I forgot to look.
So I have had to clean it off again and I have to drive it some more to see which is leaking.
At this point it looks like the differential Oil leaking but I do not know if Cardone used Oil or Grease.
　
　

When I got my Cardone CV Axles the Stock Boots seem rather dry to the touch; they do not seem too elastic.

The fact that the Flexx Boots are thin and clearly extremely elastic may mean that they are less apt to crack.

If the Silicon Version I spoke of can be stretched over the Axle without ripping I bet they would outlast other major parts the on the Car.

I have been hoping that some one who has had the Flexx Boots on for some long years and mileage would comment.

That is the exact place of the leak. But I was getting it on both diff and hub side. Basically it was leaking where the cans mate at the splined shaft. The cans actually moved, as opposed to being tight. I guess I could of fix it by using jamming RTV or some gasket sealer in the seam because the axles were still good.

Cardone fills them with grease, same as CVJ axles.




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Nice to know they are filled with Grease.
I will try to see if I can move the Cans.

I wanted to change the Differential Seals when I exchanged the Axles but I had apparently ordered 2 Pinion Gear Seals and just left the old Differential seals there.

CVJ told me yesterday that for $15 more, each axle, they will redo my own axles and since they seem to be in good condition and boots not yet broken, this should eliminate the need for any machining.