The CV boots are still intact in my 82 240d. However there are some minute cracks in the 'valleys' of the accordion-looking rubber boot. Considering the cost of new axles, is it worth the trouble of replacing the boots myself or just waiting for them to really tear then replacing the whole axle using aftermarket parts. BTW, is it hard to replace the axles?

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$500 1982 240d owner "Gunter"
125k miles,4 speed manual
crank windows, MB Tex, all original
no a/c, daily driver
Scorecard so far....
$230 Maaco paint job
$27 dimmer switch, $40 shutoff valve, $45 brake MC, $260 calipers, $40 brake hoses, $40 side fender trim, $20 balancing, $109 lifetime alignment, $10 fuel return lines, $115 oil&fuel filters for next 30k miles

Do a search on here for replacement info. They are easy. I would suggest leaving them alone if they are just cracked. They can run like that for a LONG time. When you see where the lubricant has "slung" out of them will be the time to start thinking about replacing them and even then, they will run for awhile. They will get real noisy when it is time to replace them.

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Jim

mine were badly cracked but not leaking any grease, so i sealed up all the cracked areas with black silicone , seems to have worked fine 2000 miles so far..........

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Gretchen 1981 240D 4-spd 213,000 mi
1979 240D 4-spd 298,000 mi parts car

1994 BMW 325is
1991 Dodge turbo diesel
1997 ford expedition

BILL

The CV boots are in good shape on my car. And to keep them that way I spray Armor All on them to help prevent them from drying out.

I'm pretty sure armor-all is actually destructive to rubber products.


I'd use a silicone based spray or maybe 303 protectant.


To the orginal question. I'd just watch the boots. Some people are sucessful at boot replacement. Life of rebuilds is pretty poor unless it's a Lobro/GKN.

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E