G50: Rear Axle Replacement / Repair

[lino]

This afternoon I just discovered that my drive shafts have ripped boots and are leaking. I'm wondering if anyone has replaced their drive shafts or has anyone replaced just the boots before?

Pricing:

Part Number ---DESCRIPTION -------------------------------List Price ----I.O.S Price
39600-60U60 ---SHAFT ASSY - REAR DRIVE , RH ---------$1,166.98 ---- $948.18
39601-60U60 ---SHAFT ASSY - REAR DRIVE , LH ---------$1,301.46 --- $1,057.44

39200-60U00 ---REPAIR KIT - REAR DRIVE SHAFT , RH ----$841.35 ------$683.60
39201-60U00 ---REPAIR KIT - REAR DRIVE SHAFT , LH ----$841.35 ------$683.60

39741-17V86 ---REPAIR KIT - SEAL , INNER -----------------$44.08 ---------$33.06
39241-17V87 ---REPAIR KIT - SEAL , OUTER ----------------$44.08 ---------$33.06
* The above 2 part numbers are basically a boot, clamps and grease and sold individually, so you need 2 of each.

[OwnerCS]

Do you have any idea of when the boots may have split open?

I've leaking boots replaced that were caught early without any problems on FWD\AWD cars.

[Q451990]

I have always wondered why these don't fail more often. I think this is the first time I've actually heard of a failure... If you have a local shop that specializes in rebuilding drive shafts and half shafts, I think I would see if they have a solution for you.

Heath

[OwnerCS]

Should we consider drive train boot/seal replacement as a proactive maintenance activity like engine cooling and vacuum hoses, belts, coolant filling caps, and water pumps?

[lino]

Do you have any idea of when the boots may have split open?

Within the last 2 months.

I have always wondered why these don't fail more often. I think this is the first time I've actually heard of a failure...

According to one of our sponsors who is a high volume parts dealer, the last time they sold any were in 1998 for the RH and 1999 for the LH.

[Q451990]

I wonder if the harsh climate in Canada was a contributor? Probably no worse than some of our members in parts of the US though.

Heath

[lino]

I have found that everything rubber on my car has deteriorated and I'm quite sure the weather is a factor. I understand age is too, but I think with my car spending the first 15 years of its life in FL and then coming to Canada was not ideal. My car spends 365 days a year in the garage when it's home and it's almost always at home. It's always undercoated and barely driven in the winter. Total annual mileage: 6k