CV Boots need replacement but what else is wrong?

[Piston]

So I have a 2002 x5 3.0i. Recently I have been letting my wife drive the car and she came to me with some problems. One problem is the car has a clicking sound that happens while having the wheel turned and moving. It just clicks at an interval that seems speed related. Second symptom while driving 80mph and hitting the breaks the steering wheel shakes left to right with quite a lot of movement like an 1 in or more. The last isn't a symptom but a problem i spotted while doing an inspection on the car. While underneath i noticed that both CV boots are ripped. The question I have is what else is going on besides torn CV boots here to exhibit these symptoms???

A) If the steering wheel shakes under braking like that is that imply rotors? Would the rotors cause the pedal to have vibrations as well? Note: When you hit around 45 mph or so the shaky steering wheel seems to subside.

B) I'm not sure how long these CV boots have been ripped could dirt and things have gotten in and caused the symptoms I have?

C) I'm going to post pics of my car and while I will be repairing these CV boots does anyone recommended anything else that looks pretty questionable to their trained eye. I found the CV boot replacement article and I intend to use that for the repair. I do realize the article mentions
"control arm, and sway bar end link" to be replaced while in there. I almost have a 100k miles and i intend to keep this car for years to come so i'm willing to throw a little extra cash at it while apart if there are things that should be getting replaced while its all apart.

http://picasaweb.google.com/triforcian/BustedX5# More Pics here of other suspension parts. Both boots look like this.

[mark scheurer]

Rotors how old?

You're describing classic warping of the rotors

CV boots need to be replaced, period. Hopefully the CV joints don;t need to be replaced. Mine went well before 100k.

Do a search, there's lots of info....

[cobra94563]

clicking sound and torn boots generally mean the cv joints are gone and you should replace the axles as an assembly. At 100k, you might as well. I wouldn't bother with a boot repair.
Shimmy on a hard brake - yeah,most likely rotors. Check the thickness and if you're near the minimum, you may as well replace.

[RMak]

I just recently had new CV boots replaced (inner and outer) and new axles. I did a search on this site and most posters came to the conclusion to have the axles replaced too. If you buy new axles, they come with the inner and outer boots. So they say you might as well have them all replaced.

[Piston]

Thanks Guys. My real concern was if the clicking sound was something else I should worry about. This blue hunk of steel is getting expensive... good thing my payments have been done. :P

Uhm in regards to the rotors it was about a year since ive had them on the car is there something that would cause them to warp so quickly?

[Piston]

Is this the price?? Damn the noise seems to be coming from the front left should I replace both anyhow?


No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes 01 Rmfd-output shaft, left D=27MM 1
04/2000 31607503537 $527.87
01 Rmfd-output shaft, left D=29MM 1 04/2000 03/2006 31607505005
ENDED 01 Rmfd-output shaft, left D=29MM 1 04/2000
31607565313

01 Rmfd-output shaft, right D=27MM 1
04/2000 31607503538 $527.87

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...63&hg=31&fg=15

[Piston]

Yah i know the answer is yes to both..damn wish these only cost 500 for both though...

[matt1mike1]

Vibration of the steering wheel and pedal is most likely due to a warped rotor. I had the same problem last weekend. Since my rotors were relatively new, I just had them machined ($24 for both) and replaced the pads. The vibrations went away. However, while doing the brake job, I noticed grease all over the wheel well. The CV boot was busted open. It's likely that the grease got onto the rotor and caused the rotor to warp.

[Piston]

Originally Posted by matt1mike1

Vibration of the steering wheel and pedal is most likely due to a warped rotor. I had the same problem last weekend. Since my rotors were relatively new, I just had them machined ($24 for both) and replaced the pads. The vibrations went away. However, while doing the brake job, I noticed grease all over the wheel well. The CV boot was busted open. It's likely that the grease got onto the rotor and caused the rotor to warp.

Quick question... did you replace the pads cause they needed to be replaced or is that just something that needs to be done because they will warp the rotors again?

[cobra94563]

Well, you can buy OEM (remanufactured). 500+

Personally, I have installed 5-6 aftermarket axles (not on BMW yet) and have not had any problems. RockAuto.com has 'em for under 100 new and cheaper for remanufacted (but core charge). That is the way I would go. Why, has anyone had a bad experience with aftermarket?