Need New Outer CV Boots, but a Whole New AXLE, Too?

MORGANSMANGO

MEMBER
VOLKSWAGEN

VW Passat 2002 6 cyl.
Hi! Thanks for taking my question.

I was told by a mechanic that the Outer CV boots are worn on our '02 Passat, and that, "it's probably a good idea to replace the whole axle" while they're replacing the boots.

Is that true? I know that they have to take the axle out anyway to do it right, but why do they need to replace (and charge me for) a new axle? The bearings might be OK...

-Erin
p.s., Inserted pic is similar to our car. Thanks again!

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Are they slpit open? Do you hear clicking noise when driving, turning? Usually when the boot rips, and all the grease is thrown out of the joint, you have 8 hours driving time before the cage in the joint fractures! Then you go nowhere. If the boots aren't ripped but show early splitting, yes you can do just the boot.