Half/Drive shaft recommendations

[Zordrack]

Hey guys,

So my 2000 S has a torn trans side boot on the passenger side.
And what's more concerning is that it's all done slinging grease and obviously has been for a while.

My question is.

Try and repack a joint that's been running dry for who knows how long and fit a new boot ?
Get a new OEM shaft ?
Get a new aftermarket shaft ?

I'm personally leaning more towards one of the latter two.
Seems somewhat silly to poor time and effort into trying to salvage something that at best will be an unknown.

On the other hand, I'm not getting any bad noises from it and I honestly don't know how well this holds up to running dry.

Opinions wanted

Thank you

[Stl-986]

which boot is torn, Inner or outer?

these shafts are not made to be rebuildable and there is only 1 boot available. Think only the inner shaft boot is available.

They are only $63/side why bother rebuilding it though. Easier & cheaper to just replace it.

[Zordrack]

Inner boot is torn. The on at the transmission.

And looked like the OEM axle was about $900 from Pelican and aftermarket about $150.
Boot rebuild kit looks to be about $100.

So again.
My question is does it make more sense to replace the axle or replace the boot and repack the joint ?

And if replacing the axle then is there a reason (beyond snobbery) to go OEM for this ?

My spidey sense says "replace the axle" since I have no idea how long it's been running dry and that would give me new boots on both ends.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Zordrack

Inner boot is torn. The on at the transmission.

And looked like the OEM axle was about $900 from Pelican and aftermarket about $150.
Boot rebuild kit looks to be about $100.

So again.
My question is does it make more sense to replace the axle or replace the boot and repack the joint ?

And if replacing the axle then is there a reason (beyond snobbery) to go OEM for this ?

My spidey sense says "replace the axle" since I have no idea how long it's been running dry and that would give me new boots on both ends.

Hello Zordrack, I would suggest replacing the complete shaft with an OEM shaft but you don't have to pay a lot of money for a new one, try to find a used shaft that have the rubber boots in good condition, Woody (TX) may have one available.

I used used shafts for many years on Fiat X1/9's and also on Alfa's that have the same design as the ones used on your Boxter and never had an issue with them (ok, except for the bolts...) just clean the treads very well and use Locktite and you should be good to go, how is the condition of the boots on the other side shaft..?

[Jasper7821]

I bought the DSS axle for $117 and it's been working great. It even comes with a 3yr 36k mile warranty.

Originally Posted by Zordrack

Inner boot is torn. The on at the transmission.

And looked like the OEM axle was about $900 from Pelican and aftermarket about $150.
Boot rebuild kit looks to be about $100.

So again.
My question is does it make more sense to replace the axle or replace the boot and repack the joint ?

And if replacing the axle then is there a reason (beyond snobbery) to go OEM for this ?

My spidey sense says "replace the axle" since I have no idea how long it's been running dry and that would give me new boots on both ends.

[Stl-986]

If it's just the inner you can replace the boot & repack it. Personally I would just replace it. Sometimes its good to go with parts from Porsche, many times though there is really no good reason to. If it were only 20% more it may make sense, but 8x the price?

I wouldn't go with a used one though cause by the time you buy one and pay the shipping, it isn't going to be much of a difference.

Of course, it is your money.

As a side note I dont think Woody is doing parting out anymore. Could be wrong but last I talked to him he had got rid of most of his cars.

[itsnotanova]

I'd personally clean the joint out and look to see what condition it's in before deciding to throw it away. All you might need is some new boots and grease. I'd have more my faith in the old one than one of those $100 aftermarket axles

Originally Posted by Stl-986

As a side note I dont think Woody is doing parting out anymore. Could be wrong but last I talked to him he had got rid of most of his cars.

Most of the parts I have left are for my own personal stash.

[Starter986]

My car is in for transmission work. The rear passenger outside boot is in half. They mate up when the car is on the ground. Up on jacks... two halves. My quote is ~$450 for him to replace both boots on that axle.

So... not to hijack the thread... but should I just go wioth a new aftermarket axle... or go for the OEM repair?

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Starter986

My car is in for transmission work. The rear passenger outside boot is in half. They mate up when the car is on the ground. Up on jacks... two halves. My quote is ~$450 for him to replace both boots on that axle.

So... not to hijack the thread... but should I just go wioth a new aftermarket axle... or go for the OEM repair?

Thanks!

Most of the cheap after market axles we have seen are junk. Unfortunately, you gets what you pays for....................

[Zordrack]

Isn't that sadly almost always the case ?

[Banana S]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Most of the cheap after market axles we have seen are junk. Unfortunately, you gets what you pays for....................

My experience tracks JFP's comment above, unfortunately. The independent shop I went to installed cheap aftermarket axles on my 2002 S, and within less than 3,000 miles the outer grease crimps on both axles started leaking, leaving grease all over the inside of my rear wheels (and leaving the bearings short on grease, obviously). Money down the drain, IMHO. I decided to pony up for the OEM axles for the replacements. I found these photos online showing the difference:

[mikefocke]

Thanks from the many you have helped over the years.

[Stl-986]

There is no boot to replace the outer, only inner

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

There is no boot to replace the outer, only inner

Uh... yes, there is.

[Stl-986]

Originally Posted by Starter986

Uh... yes, there is.

Ok, what is the part number?

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

Ok, what is the part number?

I don't know. However... when I gave my guy the green light for the transmission rebuild I mentioned that outside boot... referencing a thread (this) on our forum. He was non-plussed... made it sound like a nothing burger. Fron what I've read I'm guesing he's going with a 928 part... I don't know. I trust the guy and heavily, heavily I vetted him.

He'll be replacing the inner and outer boot.

Now... I've too read upon these pages, and others, that there is no outside boot and that, if that boot replacement was necessary, you'd need the entire axle. What he says differs... and I'm going with his recommendation.

His breakdown:

Replace the Right Axle Boots 1.5 hours
CV Joint Boot 2 54.85 $109.70
Axle Boot Clamp (34 mm) 2 8.08 $16.16
Axle Boot Clamp 2 4.49 $8.98
C.V. Joint Grease - Swepco 101 Moly Grease 2 22.51 $45.02
BRAKE CLEAN 2 9.47 $18.94
DF Disposal Fee 1 9.45 $9.45
Subtotal Parts 208.25 Labor 210.00 $418.25

I'm good with that.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

Ok, what is the part number?

Part #101P-986-P041C
Axle boot replacement kit. includes "4" boots.

[Frodo]

All 4 boots are identical...right?

[JFP in PA]

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

[Zordrack]

I bet.

Gonna repack it and replace the boot for now.
Then later down the road replace the axles if it becomes an issue.