Rubber Boot of Left Front Axle

Dear All,

I had visited the Mahindra Service Centre (m/s Atmaram Motors) at Agra. I own a Logan GLX 1.4 BS III (Petrol), model 2008, and done 83000 kms. On routine examination the mechanic informed me that the rubber boot of the left front axle was damaged and needs replacement. On inquiry at the service station, it was advised by the concerned people there  that the complete axle assembly which also includes rubber boot is to be replaced. Can any one advise that if the axle is otherwise normal whether the boot may only be changed, and if so, is the rubber boot available separately (the cost I believe shall be much less). The cost of the whole assembly is about Rs. 10,000. 

I am confused . Can any body please suggest as to what to do.

Regards,

Dr. S. Sinha

It does not NEED to be replaced it will Maybe if its the Inner boot near the gearbox have to be removed but not replaced you need a Boot and not a driveshaft !!!!!! unless you drove it untill it started to make cracking noises !! If not tell them to get stuffed and look for another Garage who will fit one of these for you 

martin245 wrote:

It does not NEED to be replaced it will Maybe if its the Inner boot near the gearbox have to be removed but not replaced you need a Boot and not a driveshaft !!!!!! unless you drove it untill it started to make cracking noises !! If not tell them to get stuffed and look for another Garage who will fir one of thee for you 

Hi Dr Sid, Martin is correct, on my car, the right side transmission side boot had minor crack and gear oil was leaking out. The Car was serviced at Mahindra first Choice centre in Thane and they pulled out the axle shaft, replaced the rubber boot, fitted the axle shaft back and checked the level of gear box oil. The cost of entire exercise was around 2500 INR .

Thank you very much for your much awaited answers and good suggestions dear Mr. Martin and Mr. Prashant. The gear shaft is practically normal (excepting the left boot of course), with no noise of any kind while driving at varing speeds.  Back of my mind, I did feel that I was being taken for a ride by the authorized service centre and so thought of consulting you people. That leaves me to search for the rubber boot and have it replaced.

Thank you both once again.

Sid

Dr Sid,
Per axle, there are 2 rubber boots, one on the wheel side, other on the transmission side.
If the one on the wheel side has cracked, grease will come out and ultimately wear out the balls within it. If the one on the transmission side has cracked, gear oil may come out. (if oil is coming out, then along with the rubber boot you will need a sealant repair kit)
In both cases, do not drive the car for long and get this attended. There are chances that the cracked rubber boot if left for long can eventually lead to axle replacement. Get the rubber boot fixed / replaced. Search for spares on this forum and you will find a number 9819810812 who stocks the spares of Logan.

Good Info !

Prashant_thane wrote:

Dr Sid,
Per axle, there are 2 rubber boots, one on the wheel side, other on the transmission side.
If the one on the wheel side has cracked, grease will come out and ultimately wear out the balls within it. If the one on the transmission side has cracked, gear oil may come out. (if oil is coming out, then along with the rubber boot you will neeid a sealant repair kit)
In both cases, do not drive the car for long and get this attended. There are chances that the cracked rubber boot if left for long can eventually lead to axle replacement. Get the rubber boot fixed / replaced. Search for spares on this forum and you will find a number 9819810812 who stocks the spares of Logan.

Thank you Mr. Prashant and Mr. Martin  for all the valuable information. 

Yeah I did get the boot (Wheel Side) of the left axle finally replaced. However, the original boot which was installed had 5 circular rings, whereas the one I purchased and installed had only 4 circular rings. However, the new boot set in snugly and presently there are no unwanted sounds and nor is there any driving difficulty. Please let me know whether replacing a 5 ring boot by a 4 ring one was wrong? 'Cause I couldn't find one similar to the original in the local market. As a lay man, I feel that the boot mainly acts as a seal to prevent grease from coming out and dust from entering. Hence it should not pose a problem, hopefully. Keep my fingers crossed!!

There was slight damage to the boot on the transmission side as well resulting in gear oil leak. The seal unit was repaired and the old boot was re-fitted. Was that ok?

There was no wear and tear of metallic parts on both sides of the axle. So the issue of not replacing the complete axle assembly was justified. Thanks to both of you for the wonderful advice.
Sid 

And dont forget its animals mainly who nag at the rubber under your cars ! I hear that toilet urinal blocks keep them at bay placed around the underneath of the car