986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post

gharari · 01-03-2006, 07:48 PM

10 hours is a ridiculous estimate. It took me less time, and I didn't even know how to spell CV before I attempted it.

It is obvious that the mechanic who gave you an estimate has limited experience working with Porsches (or at least the Boxster) and I would not feel confident in that person working on the car.

For an experienced mechanic, this job should take about 2-3 hours per axle, MAX!

I received 3 estimates from reputable shops in lace>Phoenixlace> for around $400-$500 for the job including parts. For me, doing it myself saved me about $200-300. It also gave me the confidence to do more work on it and save more money in the future. Plus, it's fun for me. So, it's your call whether you want to do it yourself.

How much experience do you have working on cars? I have done a few projects here and there, but this was actually the most major thing I've done. Maybe that and the strut and spring replacements I have done on my Impreza.

I can help you out if you feel comfortable doing it yourself. I can provide some diagrams, pictures, and instructions. You can even call me if you run into problems. I was planning on posting some instructions and stuff here anyway, so it would not be a big deal for me to do that.

Below are some initial recommendations if you plan to do it yourself. Let me know what you decide.

1) order the parts from pelicanparts.com or some other site. You should be able to get a cv joint kit for around $25 online rather than $45 local. All 4 CV boot kits are the same part.

2) Unless you have a parts washer bin and like to get dirty, do what I did and have your mechanic clean the axles and install the CV boots. Try to watch them do it, ensuring that they clean the joints up real well. My mechanic used a parts washer tub and a system that dispensed recycled and filtered solvent.

3) Remove the skid plate which is the big piece of sheet metal that covers the bottom of the car. Removing it will make this a MUCH easier job. I didn't do this because I didn't know how, but it seems like from this thread and my newly acquired shop manuals, I could help with figuring that out.

4) Before starting the job,

4) get the proper tools in advance. You will need:
-a high powered air impact wrench (optional, but very highly recommended)
-a torque wrench
-a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar, the bigger the better.
-assorted metric sockets, including a big thirty something mm one for the axle nut, preferably impact socket for strength
- assorted extensions
-ratchet and possibly 12/-3/8 (and vice versa) adapters depending on your socket and extension selection
-assorted box end and open wrenches
-2 decent jacks
-4 jack stands
-safety goggles
-latex or similar gloves (optional)
-WD-40 or other penetrant oil
- a special tool called an axle puller. Available from AutoZone, checker, etc. for loan. Make sure that it will fit your lug pattern before you start the job. I had to "rent" a different plate/flange to fit the bigger hub of the boxster. This tool bolts to your hub using the lug bolts, and using a large threaded flange and bolt, pushes the axle towards the inside of the car so you can get it out. The auto zone parts are at the below links. Make sure you find one that is not already stripped:

http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_specialized/flange_axle_fwd.htm

http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_universal/slide_hammer_flange.htm

I think that's all the tools you'll need, but be prepared to make runs to your local tool outlet if you don't already have it.

01-03-2006, 07:48 PM	#8
gharari Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 29	10 hours is a ridiculous estimate. It took me less time, and I didn't even know how to spell CV before I attempted it. It is obvious that the mechanic who gave you an estimate has limited experience working with Porsches (or at least the Boxster) and I would not feel confident in that person working on the car. For an experienced mechanic, this job should take about 2-3 hours per axle, MAX! I received 3 estimates from reputable shops in lace>Phoenixlace> for around $400-$500 for the job including parts. For me, doing it myself saved me about $200-300. It also gave me the confidence to do more work on it and save more money in the future. Plus, it's fun for me. So, it's your call whether you want to do it yourself. How much experience do you have working on cars? I have done a few projects here and there, but this was actually the most major thing I've done. Maybe that and the strut and spring replacements I have done on my Impreza. I can help you out if you feel comfortable doing it yourself. I can provide some diagrams, pictures, and instructions. You can even call me if you run into problems. I was planning on posting some instructions and stuff here anyway, so it would not be a big deal for me to do that. Below are some initial recommendations if you plan to do it yourself. Let me know what you decide. 1) order the parts from pelicanparts.com or some other site. You should be able to get a cv joint kit for around $25 online rather than $45 local. All 4 CV boot kits are the same part. 2) Unless you have a parts washer bin and like to get dirty, do what I did and have your mechanic clean the axles and install the CV boots. Try to watch them do it, ensuring that they clean the joints up real well. My mechanic used a parts washer tub and a system that dispensed recycled and filtered solvent. 3) Remove the skid plate which is the big piece of sheet metal that covers the bottom of the car. Removing it will make this a MUCH easier job. I didn't do this because I didn't know how, but it seems like from this thread and my newly acquired shop manuals, I could help with figuring that out. 4) Before starting the job, 4) get the proper tools in advance. You will need: -a high powered air impact wrench (optional, but very highly recommended) -a torque wrench -a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar, the bigger the better. -assorted metric sockets, including a big thirty something mm one for the axle nut, preferably impact socket for strength - assorted extensions -ratchet and possibly 12/-3/8 (and vice versa) adapters depending on your socket and extension selection -assorted box end and open wrenches -2 decent jacks -4 jack stands -safety goggles -latex or similar gloves (optional) -WD-40 or other penetrant oil - a special tool called an axle puller. Available from AutoZone, checker, etc. for loan. Make sure that it will fit your lug pattern before you start the job. I had to "rent" a different plate/flange to fit the bigger hub of the boxster. This tool bolts to your hub using the lug bolts, and using a large threaded flange and bolt, pushes the axle towards the inside of the car so you can get it out. The auto zone parts are at the below links. Make sure you find one that is not already stripped: http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_specialized/flange_axle_fwd.htm http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_universal/slide_hammer_flange.htm I think that's all the tools you'll need, but be prepared to make runs to your local tool outlet if you don't already have it. __________________ 2000 Boxster S Silver Phoenix, AZ Last edited by gharari; 01-03-2006 at 10:33 PM.