Axle recommendations

[jmcc]

Hey,
I need a new drivers side axle, so the.. long?.. one? I should check that.

Anyone got any recommendations? As usual through a dealer is pretty expensive.

[Sirocco20348]

I'm in the same situation.

I have read that oem axles are very good. Most axles can be rebuilt if they have just incurred general West and test.

Unless they have been damaged in some way.

But I have also read on vortex that people have had luck with Chinese axles.

What did you end up doing? I'm still researching options

[Sirocco20348]

Mechanic confirmed I don't need a new axle. I am impressed. He just pumped in some new grease and secured the boot.

What makes you think you need a new axle?

[beale187]

x2.

Picked up a boot, bands and grease from VW for $50.

Took it apart, cleaned it, checked for any gauges (there wasn't) put it all back together and hasn't made a noise since.

OEM axles are bulletproof.

[jmcc]

I was guna do that but a bunch of mechanics said it sucks, and its really hard to get the boot back on?

[beale187]

If you don't have the VW band clamp tool (which I don't have) then they are correct it's near impossible.

HOWEVER you can use either a zip tie or screw / worm drive clamp instead. I was in a rush and used a zip tie, it held up for 2yrs until the car got totalled... may have even held up longer.

[jmcc]

I get some clicking on hard turns, the boot looks like it's blown, I think I'm just guna take it to the mechanic and see what he says.

What was up with yours?