Boxster S rear axle questions
 

I have a badly torn inner CV boot on the passenger side rear axle of my 2000 Boxster S with automatic transmission. I decided to go ahead and replace the axle as the tear is so large that I am fairly certain I will need to replace the CV joint as well. After looking for one online, I have a couple of questions:
(1) Where is the best place to buy one?
(2) Are the axles for the manual and automatics transmissions the same or different? (some online places say they are, some say they aren't)
(3) Is there a difference between the Boxster and Boxster S axles? (Again, confusing online and the Bentley manual doesn't answer the questions!)

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Tim

per the Porsche parts catalog pgs 501-05 & 06, every different model has different axles:

> 2002:

986 332 024 05..........>98...............w/Tip (M249)
986 332 024 08..........99>...............w/Tip (M249)
986 332 024 04..........(L) >98..........w/5-sp (M481)
986 332 024 07..........(L) 99>..........w/5-sp (M481)
986 332 024 03..........(R) >98..........w/5-sp (M481)
986 332 024 06..........(R) 99>..........w/5-sp (M481)
986 332 024 50..........00>..............."S" w/6-sp (M008/480)
986 332 024 51..........00>..............."S" w/Tip (M008/249) *****

2003 >:

986 332 024 09..........(L)................w/5-sp (M481)
986 332 024 10..........(R)................w/5-sp (M481)
986 332 024 11..............................non-S w/Tip (M009/249)
986 332 024 50.............................."S" w/6-sp (M008/480)
986 332 024 51.............................."S" w/Tip (M008/249)

so you *should* need the ones marked *****. but you should call your dealer and give them your VIN, then they can tell you the right one.

i had a torn inboard boot, i just had my mechanic replace all 4 as preventative maintenance.

Best prices for rear axles?
 

Thanks, Dave. Using that info, the best price I have found is $523 (parts.com). Any suggestions on other online merchants with better pricing?
Tim

Sunset Porsche sells dealer parts at cost + 15%. For Porsche-branded parts they often the best price by far. 800-346-0182

All 4 of my boots were completely ripped apart. I got rebuilt OEM axles for my 2001 S from Vertex Automotive for $299 each after a $150 core return last summer. Looked to be nicely done with OEM parts.

Thanks for all the tips. I'll let you know what I find!

Still trying to get what I need. Ordered a half-axle from ******************************************************************************************** for a great price(yes, Chinese made but I'm just trying to keep my Boxster S useful, not show quality) but even after "verifying" it with their sales rep, they sent me one for a 6 speed trans instead of Tiptronic. :mad:

Now I'm back to the beginning- purchasing a half axle or rebuilding what I have. Since I have it out and having trouble finding the right axle at a good price, I am thinking of just rebuilding it. I think I should replace the CV joint as I have no idea how long the boot has been torn and comments suggest the joint may fail if dirt is in there (even if you can't tell for sure.)

EMPI vs Loepro- China vs Germany. Purests vote the latter but has anyone had problems with an EMPI CV joint rebuild kit? Thanks again for advice and in advance for additional advice!