Front Axle Woes

[BendE30Beemer]

Does anyone have a front, left axle (89 325ix)?
Alternatively, does anyone know if the axles are serviceable? Left axle has stripped threads and am wondering if right outer (from donor axle) can be used to replace it?
Thanks.

[kid325e]

If you're talking about the cv joints I would assume they are interchangeable. I could be completely wrong though. Have you looked over real oem to compare part numbers on the outer joints for left and right?


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[BendE30Beemer]

If you're talking about the cv joints I would assume they are interchangeable. I could be completely wrong though. Have you looked over real oem to compare part numbers on the outer joints for left and right?


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Thanks for your response. I have not cross referenced oem part #s, although I have measured the outers and they appear identical.
Is there an online source for that info?
Thanks again.

[nando]

the outter CVs & main shafts are exchangeable from left to right, the inner CVs are not. They are serviceable but you can't really build them yourself (other than replacing boots) and you can't get parts for them from BMW (they only sell whole axles).

How did the threads get stripped?

your choices are to find a used CV shaft and swap the outter joints for one with good threads, send it to a rebuilder and hope they have extra parts in stock, buy a used axle and just install it as-is, or buy a brand new one from BMW (which I doubt anyone can afford these days).

[Dave_G]

your choices are to find a used CV shaft and swap the outter joints for one with good threads, send it to a rebuilder and hope they have extra parts in stock, buy a used axle and just install it as-is, or buy a brand new one from BMW (which I doubt anyone can afford these days).

Or, maybe get an M22x1.5 die for about $50 and try to repair the threads. Or take it to a machine shop that could do it.

[BendE30Beemer]

Thanks for the suggestions people.
- Yes, new axles (complete) are stupid expensive, which sucks given you can get refurbished axles for everything else for under $100.
- I couldn't find a used left front axle, so I have a used front right coming and hoping i can swap the outer cv joints over (looks like same part)...fingers crossed.
- A previous mechanic or owner stripped the threads on the axle somehow. The nut was holding on, but only barely. They really did a number on the threads and I have been told by 2 sources that it's not salvageable.
- Also needed a new front hub (don't ask) which are thankfully still available from BMW (not very cheap mind you). Would have gone used, but couldn't find those either.
- Going to keep an eye out for a spare ix for future parts. Or maybe switch back to an Audi... Haha.

[Chrisbike]

Bet the mechanic just started it on with a impact. Literally all techs do is use a impact sometimes.

[BendE30Beemer]

Bet the mechanic just started it on with a impact. Literally all techs do is use a impact sometimes.

Indeed

[BendE30Beemer]

Just received 2nd-hand RT front axle and had outer cv swapped over to left axle. No problem at all. Should all go back together this week, ready for alignment.