Hello-

Both of my left and right front CV boots are torn wide open. I was quoted $651 to repair both (quote includes: parts, labor, and tax for both). Again, this price is for CV axle not just boots alone. I'm not a do-it-yourselfer so...

My first question is: Is it necessary to replace both the boot and axle or just boot itself?

Second question: If both, does this sound like a fair price. I did "beat" them up a little based on money being tight and all. Original quote was in the $700's.

Thanks in advance for the replies.


2002 A6 2.7T, 80K miles. No mods.

 

sounds like an ok price, but note they are probably using chinese/cheap axles to replace at that cost.

usually replacing just the boots is good.. and plenty people do it... I think replacing the axle all together is a quicker job though, than replacing the boot.

boot kits cost like $30ea IIRC... labor is maybe an hour each... I could be off...

 

Not a terrible price, I have seen worse. I just had both of my front CV axles completely rebuilt in my 2000 A6 2.7t. Labor and everything was $470 which was very cheap. If your CVs arent making any popping sounds yet then you could get by with just replacing the boots.

 

I paid $120 at a local indy shop for a brand new complete axle (no core charge either) and did the work myself. That was time well spent!
I still have my old one that I may rebuild (change boot and re-pack with grease) and keep as a spare...

 

Yep, the axle swap isn't bad, and I think www.audiworld.com or www.audidiy.com has the DIY procedure explaining it all and listing the tools you'll need. I did both axles on the front of my A4 and it was no big deal to do them. Bought them from www.germanautoparts.com for about $100 each and have had zero problems since.

 

OP here: Thanks for all your responses, I'll probably go ahead and get the whole axle job done. Ironically enough, my front right started to make a "clicking" sound today! Maybe not so ironic with these vehicles, nothing surprises me anymore. Time to do it, car runs great otherwise (as I knock on wood).

 

Be very wary of putting Chinese made axles in your car! I did and they lasted all of three days!!!! They may be OK for a 2.8, but not the turbo! Get rebuild Audi axles. They might cost a few dollars more ($130 as opposed to $110 in my case) or have your Audi axles rebuilt. At the very least, make sure you get a 12 month warranty on the work and parts so if you have to go back it doesn't cost you anything!

Bob