Cost of CV Joint Replacement at shop?

[eskimo810]

Hey guys! So due to some rather unfortunate circumstances such as, but not not limited to: it being winter, having no garage (heated or otherwise), having decimated CV joints, and having very little time and patience; it seems I have no other option than to bring my car to a shop to be fixed. Which will be the first time I've ever done so for any reason in my life! Yay?!

I've done quite a bit of searching, and haven't been able to get a good estimate of what to expect in terms of cost.

Who has had their half-shafts replaced at a shop? Is it better to get them rebuilt or buy new ones? Should I look for a specific brand with budget in mind?

Share your experiences!

[jlevie]

There is really no way to truly estimate the cost before hand. The car might need just new boots and grease at one extreme, or it may turn out that it needs replacement half shafts, bearings, and hubs at the other extreme.

I have given up on the inexpensive generic reman half shafts. All that I've seen have the wrong outboard boots (they rub on the shocks), some have excessive play in the CV joints, and some have had damage to the splines. So now I will only use those from a dealer. They are pricey but they work.

[eskimo810]

I am hoping that one or both of the joints could just be packed with grease. Unfortunately I'm expecting both to be beyond repair. So, theoretically, if I were to replace both half shafts how much labor would be involved?

Edit:

This is OEM. Is there any real difference between this and genuine BMW?

GKN Loebro Axle Shaft Assembly

[jlevie]

Those should be fine and are about the same as what my dealer charges, once shipping is included.

I don't know what the "book rate" is, but I'd guess on about two hours per side if there are no complications. Once the half shafts are out, it may be apparent that the wheel bearings need to be replaced. And the half shaft & hub splines may gall when the half shafts are removed, meaning that new hubs & bearings will be needed. So don't be surprised if the price jumps during the job.

[eskimo810]

Those should be fine and are about the same as what my dealer charges, once shipping is included.

I don't know what the "book rate" is, but I'd guess on about two hours per side if there are no complications. Once the half shafts are out, it may be apparent that the wheel bearings need to be replaced. And the half shaft & hub splines may gall when the half shafts are removed, meaning that new hubs & bearings will be needed. So don't be surprised if the price jumps during the job.

All good to know. Thank you very much. :D

[jeffnhiscars]

FYI I seem to recall those exact same shafts (new) from BMA for about $100 less