While off the car, detailing wheels
I found grease on inside of left rear wheel. On closer inspection I found a cut in the outer half shaft boot.
Checked the detail in the online manual and see that they recommend using special axle shaft press/pusher for removal and also mention another special tool (puller) to install.
My question is, Has anyone ever done this R&R without the special tools or ARE THEY REQUIRED......?
The cost for replacing the boot, "by axle rebuild company" is relatively cheap compared to the labor required to remove and replace axle in the car.

...be careful when purchasing something from either an "Axle Rebuild Company" or a "Driveshaft Rebuild Company". Alot of shady folks out there that claim they know what they are doing - most of them are nothing more than a Krylon Overhaul...

Thanks,
I'm not about to tackle the job until I've learned all I can about it.
There are too many tricks to learn about removal, install, and what needs to come off to get the job done.
My contact for the rebuild, is a vendor of a close friend who owns a Napa store, and has many customers (shops) doing business with my friend.
My biggest concern is removal/replacement of the shaft, and IF it really needs a pusher/puller to do the job.

thanks again
I'll make sure I ask all the correct questions before i move forward.

they usually specialize on FWD CV axles and RWD Mustang Camaro etc. axles. if they can rebuild it, it will mean to put a universal boot on it and clean/grease. But you can do the same ! BMW does sells the boost (at least they used to) of course not cheap but nothing oem is.
as far as removal and install, I don't see why you shouldn't be able to remove it from the spindle, and the diff connection is all bolts.
You might need a pusher/puller but that tool should be rented free from Autozone.
Solid axles are held on with C clip in GM cars. thats is very easy removal, on the E31 it might have a conical shape and squeezed into the spindle. a 3 jaw puller might works. Ask around who has done the job and they might give you a hint.

Also while at it, check your bushings in the rear. they might need replacement and this is the best time !

Thanks,
I'm guessing that BMW still sells the boots, but I'm also interested in having the boots installed in order to get the clamp on correctly.....the space in the back of the brake housing is very close and the clamp has to be spot on to clear.
I'm hoping that the CV joint is serviceable, as well as the bearing......
This little tear in the boot will be costly and time consuming enough....

As far as the shaft, the manual say it needs to be pushed out, and pulled in, and they mention & show special tools.....that actually bolt to the disc. Because the axle is attached to cv which attaches to spindle thru brake housing, you don't have any choice but to push or pull it.
Still actaully researching the project before i dive in.
Getting the car up in the air and stable, is another project, and hopefully the exhaust doesn't need to be dropped.....it's runs right under the out end of the shaft, near the back of the wheel. Maunal does say you need to drop a link arm and move it aside.

You do not need to remove the axle from the housing, you will have to take off the C/V joint from the diff and work from that end. You will have to drop the exhaust and remove the lower shock bolt

There is a "C" clip that holds the inner C/V joint (diff end C/V joint) to the half shaft and that will have to be removed, that can be stubborn but it will slide off. It is doubtfulll that you will be able to remove the inner boot and inner C/V joint without damaging the inner boot. Order both boots!

Once the inner C/V joint is off, you can remove and replace the outer boot, always good to repack with C/V joint grease. Use the clamps that come with the C/V joint boot kit, that may require you to use a special tool to secure the clamps.

After the outer boot is replaced, slide on a NEW inner boot and repack and slide the inner C/V joint back on the half shaft and put the "C" clip back in place.

Inner boot replacement kit # 33 21 9 067 807
outer boot replacement kit # 33 21 9 067 808

CAUTION!!! Make sure you handle the inner C/V joint carefully while taking off and re-installing and MAKE SURE that the balls stay in place. If the inner race is angled a bit the balls will fall out and it would be hard to get them back into the same race that each one came out of. They have worn in place and if they go into another race, it "could" result in noise or a early failure.

I have pictures somewhere of this procedure that I will try to find and post later.

HTH

Excellent Post!

Morning Ed,

Got your note this am and thank you for the response, I do have a few more questions/thoughts if you don't mind.

You do not need to remove the axle from the housing, you will have to take off the C/V joint from the diff and work from that end.
<<<I understand, The reason I was thinking of removing the axle from the housing is I was afraid that doing this my first time, I will not be able to get the outer boot clamp on properly, because of the really tight area that it fits in. Factory installed or remanufactured/rebuilt axles should be done with all the correct tools including the tool to tighten and clamp the boot strap.
It was my plan to remove complete axle and have it rebuilt by a specialist.
I will look closer at it now and see if I'm more comfortable.>>>



There is a "C" clip that holds the inner C/V joint (diff end C/V joint) to the half shaft and that will have to be removed, that can be stubborn but it will slide off. It is doubtfulll that you will be able to remove the inner boot and inner C/V joint without damaging the inner boot. Order both boots!
<<<Under stand that both boots will need replacing, no matter what, seeing the inside has to come off anyway.>>>

<<<I understand that the axle bolts to the diff, with a 12 point 8 mm torq bolts.
Once the bolts are removed, is it easy to push the axle outward to clear the diff ....? shots I've seen make it look as thought the axle actually fits into the diff flange a little bit.....? and has a dust cover....?>>>

Once the inner C/V joint is off, you can remove and replace the outer boot, always good to repack with C/V joint grease. Use the clamps that come with the C/V joint boot kit, that may require you to use a special tool to secure the clamps.
<<<If you can see the shot I attached you may see my concern about space, and the lack thereof...... that's the part where the clamp tightening tool is schechy
The online manual I researched, also said to remove bolt, and push in the strut you see just below the axle>>>

After the outer boot is replaced, slide on a NEW inner boot and repack and slide the inner C/V joint back on the half shaft and put the "C" clip back in place.
<<<Got it.....>>>

Inner boot replacement kit # 33 21 9 067 807
outer boot replacement kit # 33 21 9 067 808
<<<Are these OEM factory part numbers....? and if so do they have recommended/available CV Grease ......?>>>

CAUTION!!! Make sure you handle the inner C/V joint carefully while taking off and re-installing and MAKE SURE that the balls stay in place. If the inner race is angled a bit the balls will fall out and it would be hard to get them back into the same race that each one came out of. They have worn in place and if they go into another race, it "could" result in noise or a early failure.
<<<Understood.......clearly....>>>


I have pictures somewhere of this procedure that I will try to find and post later.

Hope this helps

<<<I'm going to get a couple other things done before I tackle the axle, and hopefully get some additional input to make me more informed.
* Head light adjusters wheels are gone, or laying in body, lights needs to be repaired
* Trunk and under hood light inoperable, need to track down problem, fuses/bulbs good.....( something to do with security system...?)
* Flutter noise in induction under exeleration above 60-70% throttle
Parts where/when, proper technic for raising car jack stands, properly placed as not to get in the way etc....
And If the axle needs to come out what special tools I'll need .......

This car is new to me, and belongs to a friend who is/was a BMW enthusiast, but doesn't have the ability or desire to do it himself.
I owe him a favor, I'm retired and I do have the ability, time & space. it's been "sitting" outside In San Clemente Ca. for approx a year,
so of course the normal, low tires, dead batteries, corrosion.
It's a nice car, for the right person, but I'm afraid he's moved on and once I complete the main issues it will be ready to sell.
97 850ci Blk on Blk 104k>>>