rear axle question...just got call from service center

I just got a call from the service center that is giving my car a brake service. Unfortunatley there isn't a Ferrari dealer in town but alot of the Porsches in town are serviced here and I'm pretty sure it's my best bet. They said my left rear CV boot is completely torn and have to replace my whole axle. I think that is a bit much. If the boot tore and anything was damaged from outside elements wouldn't it just need a new cv joint and boot? If not just a good cleaning/grease and new boot. I told them to hold off until I get down there to look at it, but being new to Ferraris maybe there is something I don't know that could help me out. Thanks in advance for your info.

 

You are correct- no need to replace the entire axle, unless it is damaged/bent. How that would happen I have no idea.

Worst case- new CV joint(s), boots, and grease. Probably just boots and grease are all you will need- depends how long that boot has been torn and the road conditions you have driven in since it tore.

 

Thanks...i was just making sure I'm not crazy.

 

FYI, it is common practice on modern cars to just replace the whole thing. A mechanic freind of mine was suprised when I told him I was rebuilding my CV joints. He said for most modern cars you can get an axle for under $100 and he said for that money they're not worth rebuilding.

 

The CV joints are VW/Porsche so you are in the correct shop at least.

 

Heck, if that's the case he should know you can rebuild or replace just the CV joint. What are they, Spiel or something like that?

 

GKN-Lobro

 

I would also say that you just need to clean it up, replace the boot and grease. I have seen boots torn on other cars where the cv joint did not have to be replaced and I have seen cars where the joint had to be replaced, but that was due to corrision from the salt that they use on the roads during the winter months here in the North.

 

On cars like a Honda, they almost always replace the whole thing because the parts (whole half shaft) are cheaper than the labor to replace just the boot. However, we can all say that on the Ferrari, that is not the case. It is true that the CV joint is also used on Porsche, so who knows what kind of pricing they can get on them. However it is really no big deal to swap out the boot on these things. If the boot has been torn for a long time and there is all kinds of sand and grit in the CV joint, it is possible that the CV joint is toast and should be replaced, but I don't know how you decide.

Birdman

 

I went ahead and just ordered a porsche cv joint off ebay for 50-60 bucks. Hopefully I'll only have to use the boot and just have the spare joint.

 

CV joints are a really nice first DIY project. They come off with circlips and you need a minimum of tools. You probably only need a nwe boot and some grease but the CV has to come apart to do it.

 

First of all I'm gonna call BS on this! There is no need to replace the CV joint, or axle for that matter, unless you are getting clicking, just because the boot is torn. "IF" you had clicking it comes from the joint being worn out and the balls bearings not being held in place snug. This usually happens on front wheel drive cars. On modern cars the CV joints are a sealed unit, which is why they replace the whole thing. Also since a 308 is rwd car I SERIOUSLY doubt you have a worn CV joint, and there is NO WAY you have a bent axle unless you recently smacked a curb. All you need to do is replace the rubber boots and repack the CV joint with grease. As BillyBob said it is a good project to get your feet wet. It isn't hard, just MESSY!

 

I would buy an brand new boot. They only cost $10. Who knows how long a used one from eBay will last!