Half/Drive shaft recommendations

[obthomas]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

When you seen an aftermarket unit next to the factory piece, you fully understand why they are cheaper.......................

JFP I have an after market half shaft going in place of an OEM. What are you seeing that I do not see?

O.B.

[JFP in PA]

A lot of the cheap aftermarket units are thinner and lighter than the OEM unit, plus when the boots are pulled back, the CV’s are also lighter duty than the factory. We have also seen cast shafts rather than forged units, again making the aftermarket units less durable and even subject to premature failures. When it comes to driveline components, you want the stoutest stuff you can find.

[itsnotanova]

A good friend of mine who's replaced a million axles on boxster race cars says he uses the replacement boot kit for a 928. The boot is the same size and it comes with everything you need plus the grease. The 928 boot is a lot cheaper too

[rfuerst911sc]

There is a CV joint rebuilder about an hour from me . Last year I was near their shop so decided to stop by to see their operation . Spoke with the owner he's been doing this for a long time . For Porsche's he only will rebuild OEM axles .

He will not touch aftermarket axles at all , says the quality is poor and in many cases the balls/races are either undersized or of very poor metal . His generic comment " they are all Chinese junk " .

So hearing what he said and showing me some of the differences I purchased a set of used OEM axles as spares . They are in good condition with good boots . My S has a torn boot so I am going to pull both axles and replace with the used set . I will then have that rebuilder repair my original axles . They will be ready if/when the used set needs to be rebuilt . And I will have that set rebuilt also .

Should keep me going for a long time and I know they will be top quality and fit perfectly . With the extra power my engine makes going cheap on axles would be silly .

[Keith Newby]

all four are identical.

[elgyqc]

I am in the process of changing the boots on my 2000 base. I have already done it on the other Boxster I owned, also a 2000 base. Both boots can be changed (done from the transmission end of the axle) and the same boot is used, 928 332 293 02. I also changed the boots on my 928 so maybe that makes me an almost expert.
To the original poster... you will have to look at the CV joint, as Woody said. If the joint is really running dry you would hear it. There is a good chance that there is still grease in the torn boot and as long as there is not water it could be OK.