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Re: 2007 9-5 Aero CV Outer Boots Advice Posted by Donegalkid [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Re: 2007 9-5 Aero CV Outer Boots Advice, Gary P, Mon, 4 Jul 2022 17:28:10 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I agree with other posters to retain the OEM Saab 9 5 axles. I have 3 9 5s and am currently replacing everything in the front end of my ‘02 with 183K miles. Second time replacing all the steering and suspension parts. Regarding the front axles, my observations: CV joints do indeed wear out … SAAB OEM are far superior to knockoffs. New OEM complete axles are no longer available therefore a rebuild (DIY) is the best option if you have the time, money, and expertise. The OEM outer CV joints are available, as are the inner tripod joints. The outer CV joints definitely wear down, and even if the boot is not leaking, they can, and probably should be replaced at some point if you want optimum steering and handling. My ‘02 Saab had 183K miles on it and the outer CV joints were worn significantly when I took them apart and closely compared them to a new OEM CV joint. For example, the splines on the inner race normally wear down on the outer edges, causing some looseness and slop in steering. And SAAB (GKN) uses superior metal in their OEM CV joints — inner and outer — and for the ball bearings, races, etc. I can just imagine what some of the aftermarket knockoffs must look like after several thousand miles considering they use much cheaper components in the construction of the joints and wear surfaces. In the case of my ‘02 Saab the boots were not leaking, and the CV axles appeared fine, until I took them apart. So, if you are into a restoration, or want close to new driving experiences, I would replace the outer CV joints for sure after about 150,000 miles. the tripod joints loosen up a bit as well. I replaced the one on the passenger side, but I did not replace the one on the driver side. Obviously, the axle itself can be reused. To recap: you pull the axles off the car, pull off the boots, replace the outer CV joint, check the inner CV joint, put on new boots, new CV joint grease, new bands/clamps, etc. This is quite a job, and it requires some special tools, and some tricks along the way. If anybody reads this post, and wants some more information, I’ll be glad to respond.
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