Leaking CV Rubber Boot

[TDI DSG]

My TDI has some grease leaking from the passenger side inner cv boot. The rubber seems to be split.

Google search suggests it's a common problem even though I cant find anything via a search here. Seems to be a very poor quality rubber to be failing in 4 1/2 years.

Has anyone else had this happen ?
How much to get it fixed at the dealers ? - will be calling in the morning !
Is it easy enough to DIY ?

Cheers !

[shauno]

So it's time for new boots

They've never been replaced in 4.5 years? I was up to my third set! (just over 5.5 years)

Probably not a DIY, unless you've got a hoist.

[nutttr]

I think the dealers charge ~$250 to get it done from memory. Go to a non-VW euro specialist and you will get it done cheaper. Make sure you go to someone who knows how to fit CV boots as it seems to be a skill my local VW is missing. Mine was gone after about 100,000k's and 5.5yrs... Pretty common.

[TDI DSG]

I can get on hoist if I need to.
If the shaft needs to come out maybe I should be getting both inner and outer boots replaced if it's a common problem. We only have 85K on the car. I have a Datsun 1600 with similar rubber boots on driveshafts that are 40 years old now and still dont leak, and the rubber is still supple - but they dont make things like they used too I guess. Just seems a bit odd as the car on the whole seems to be top quality.

[TDI DSG]

shauno,

If you have had that many replaced, were they all genuine VW parts ?
If so is there a better quality aftermarket available ?

[Umai Naa!!]

VW ones resemble something closer to plastic than rubber. Splitting is inevitable, ad quite common.

[nutttr]

The outside ones, on the left, tend to the be one that goes the most. I haven't personally seen any inside ones go - They don't move half as much as the outside ones. But the rubber is really tough! I don't think they fit as well as they should either, when you turn hard lock you can see the rubber actually starting to crease a little due to the stretch...

[TDI DSG]

I will have to check the outside one also but it did'nt appear to be leaking - the inside definetely was !

[TDI DSG]

Well it's all fixed now - $180 at the dealer !