Front Axle Boots - where to buy and is GKN good?

[Sean]

Noticed my passenger side INNER was torn today. From my research, Chris it sounds like that's the one that always fails for you?

I don't know what type of boots they were, but the PO has replaced them. All the others seem to be good - its just this one.

I see Pelican has GKN boots - but I'm debating getting OEM for this one, and GKN for the rest.

Thoughts?

[nando]

Oem is the same boot.

[nomansland92]

I used the cheaper set from pelican parts once and got a year out of them, but last time I went with the oem ones and so far they have been great.

[Nisse Järnet]

While we're at it, anyone tried the silicone universal boots?

[audiquattrot]

I used the cheap ones from AutohausAZ, and lasted me a yr. I'll report back once the OEM ones fail, to compare longevity.

[fight4life28]

I'm looking to get new outter boots from Blunttech, Seems like he has the best pricing for our front axle boots. forget what kind but I'll report anything is they fail or how long they last.

[Sean]

Yea, let me know fight.

So - Chris - the OEM rubber boots are the same as the GKN?

Giess I'm confused. LOL Looking at these options:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_search_2014.cgi?command=show_part_page&please_wait=N&make=BMW&model=0241&section=SUSAXL&page=2&bookmark=6&part_number=31-60-1-226-155-M60

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-cv-joint-boot-kit-325ix-31601226155

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES51421/

[MrSlacker]

Sean, you are confusing OE and OEM.

OE means Genuine BMW parts that you get from the dealer. Thats what you linked to from FCP Euro and ECS.

GNK is an OEM brand which means they make products FOR BMW and should be the same quality.

Unfortunately, as others said, even OEM GNK ones do fail. OE BMW ones are not terribly expensive so I would advise to spend a little and get them so you won't have to worry about it for years.

[Sean]

Ahhhh ok. Yea, I guess I was using them interchangeably.

Thanks!

That being said, is ECS the best place to get em?

[Mlarsen]

While we're at it, anyone tried the silicone universal boots?

I've thought about this. I know they make high angle CV boot for lifted trucks. One would assume they would work for lowered vehicles as well.

[nando]

Sean, you are confusing OE and OEM.

OE means Genuine BMW parts that you get from the dealer. Thats what you linked to from FCP Euro and ECS.

GNK is an OEM brand which means they make products FOR BMW and should be the same quality.

Unfortunately, as others said, even OEM GNK ones do fail. OE BMW ones are not terribly expensive so I would advise to spend a little and get them so you won't have to worry about it for years.

I already said this - but they are the SAME. if you order the BMW boots, you will get the same boots you get if you order GKN/Lobro.

I thought this too, but then my buddy Adam bought both and compared them. BMW doesn't make CV boots.. GKN/Lobro makes them!

[Nisse Järnet]

I've thought about this. I know they make high angle CV boot for lifted trucks. One would assume they would work for lowered vehicles as well.

Yeah silicone usually is pretty heat resistant an durable but i cant find much info how they work in long term :S

I already said this - but they are the SAME. if you order the BMW boots, you will get the same boots you get if you order GKN/Lobro.

I thought this too, but then my buddy Adam bought both and compared them. BMW doesn't make CV boots.. GKN/Lobro makes them!

Lobro also makes the front CV joints, atleast on the E34 :)

[The Dark Side of Will]

GKN's the OE boot... That means that you can buy from a supplier who buys from GKN and have one middle man.

OR you can buy from a supplier who buys from BMW who had the thing sitting in a warehouse for 5 years after buying it from GKN. So you pay two middle men--one of whom is not known for low profit margins--and pay for 5 years of storage... and get the same part.

Your choice.

[The Dark Side of Will]

While we're at it, anyone tried the silicone universal boots?

If they have the right large and small diameters, there's no reason they shouldn't work. Who knows what the longevity will be.

I hope you're not talking about split boots... don't waste your money and time. Those are junk.

[Nisse Järnet]

If they have the right large and small diameters, there's no reason they shouldn't work. Who knows what the longevity will be.

I hope you're not talking about split boots... don't waste your money and time. Those are junk.

No im talking about theese for example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121224086600?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649