08SUPERWHT

So last week while changing the oil I noticed the drivers side axle boot was tore pretty badly. The axle was not at the popping/clicking stage yet, so I figured it still had lots of life left in it and would be ok for a quick little trip to San Diego.....I was wrong!

We drove over from Phoenix Monday morning and everything was perfect no problems. Drove around San Diego, beaches, took the kids to Sea World, everything was good. We left to come home Wednesday morning and didn't even make it 20 miles before the front end started getting bad vibes. It would shake like crazy then smooth itself out for a while, then go back to shaking. I pulled over to make sure it wasn't the tires (they are brand new) and to check the axle. I could feel the axle joints grinding while holding onto the axle while rocking the car back and forth. So with over 300 miles to go I said screw it and just drove slower hoping it would hold together. To my surprise it did hold together, it was just a slow bumpy ride.

I'm just going to replace both axles and I'll be good to go!

pdxgen2

check your warranty...i think the 7 year, 70000 mile power train warranty would apply to the axles...unless your ride is older, or out of warranty, they should replace that axle for you

08SUPERWHT

I'm at 98K. Not hard to replace on a hoist with the right tools. I thought about finding an auto parts store and just replacing it in the parking lot......that would have sucked and I'm glad I decided just to go for it.

AAG

iTrader: (1)

Good luck with replacement parts. I had a fun time finding aftermarket for mine after realizing what an OEM replacement cost.

08SUPERWHT

MasterPro sells the driver side for $75 and the passenger side for $70. Oreilly's has them in stock right now. My dad works for a shop. I'll see what he can get stock replacements for.

k1114

I'm on my second passenger and first driver side axle now and both are starting to ooze out of the ends a little bit. Your best bet is OEM replacements from a lightly smashed xB (hit up eBay). The aftermarket axles available for the xB2 have a pretty terrible reputation.

pdxgen2

I'm a huge fan of replacing the boots and keeping the oem axles when possible...aftermarket axles are crap...my 1991 GTI has the original, from the factory axles on it (273,000 miles) and theyre good as new cause I replace the axle boots the moment i discover cracking in them, BEFORE the tearing begins....