Looking for experiences with aftermarket axles/CV joints (Cardone?)

[wes8398]

Hi all. My front passenger side wheel is "clicking" and "ticking" on me, so it's time for a CV replacement, as far as I can tell. I've already made sure it's not a loose heat shield or brake component causing the sound, so CV is the next logical step; even though there's no grease mess and no torn boot.

Preliminary shopping shows a lot of aftermarket options, and I'm wondering if any of them are actually decent parts. The two main options I'm thinking would be decent are a Cardone NEW part for $90 (CAD), or a Cardone REMAN for $70 (CAD). I'm tempted to go with the reman just because it's an OE shaft that should be OE balanced and so on; but maybe "new" would be better. Or maybe they'd both be trash.

Other options are "APWI", "Trakmotive", and "GSP"; none of which I'm familiar with.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

[sepheroth86]

GSP likely made the original.

I did front c/v's on my girlfriends BMW with GSP, they had all the same markings as the originals. Minus the BMW logo.

[Thugmeet]

I bought a GSP axle and it caused horrible vibration on acceleration and highway speeds off rockauto. Would not recommend

[Smac770]

GKN makes the Audi axles. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-cv-axle-assembly-front-gkn-8k0407271aj

I would only buy a GKN OEM or a raxles reman. Or a used original, which I have done to deal with a torn boot - https://wolfautoparts.com/cv-axle-shaft-8k0407271q-ps11213.html

Original B8.0 S4 front axle was rev Q, replaced later by rev AJ. So either works for the purpose.

[DriveBikeRun]

It’s been almost 2 years since I replaced my front axles and after my research I decided to go with Raxles. They were really the only option in my book unless going OEM, and especially if you’re above stock power levels. In their remanufacturing process they use brand new CV joints instead of grinding the originals. They’re at least double the price of the options you’re considering, but higher quality and better warranty.

I can’t remember the exact price and you can’t just put them in a cart. Have to call and talk to the owner, Marty I think was his name, and he will want to know your symptoms as he doesn’t want to sell them to you unless he thinks you need them. I’ve been very happy with mine and don’t worry about them at all.

https://www.raxles.com


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[f1torrents]

Marty is the best!

[sepheroth86]

GSP likely made the original.

I did front c/v's on my girlfriends BMW with GSP, they had all the same markings as the originals. Minus the BMW logo.


GKN makes the Audi axles. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-cv-axle-assembly-front-gkn-8k0407271aj

I would only buy a GKN OEM or a raxles reman. Or a used original, which I have done to deal with a torn boot - https://wolfautoparts.com/cv-axle-shaft-8k0407271q-ps11213.html

Original B8.0 S4 front axle was rev Q, replaced later by rev AJ. So either works for the purpose.

Maybe that is what I was thinking, GKN.

I bought them from FCP.

[wes8398]

It’s been almost 2 years since I replaced my front axles and after my research I decided to go with Raxles. They were really the only option in my book unless going OEM, and especially if you’re above stock power levels. In their remanufacturing process they use brand new CV joints instead of grinding the originals. They’re at least double the price of the options you’re considering, but higher quality and better warranty.

I can’t remember the exact price and you can’t just put them in a cart. Have to call and talk to the owner, Marty I think was his name, and he will want to know your symptoms as he doesn’t want to sell them to you unless he thinks you need them. I’ve been very happy with mine and don’t worry about them at all.

https://www.raxles.com


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)


I bought a GSP axle and it caused horrible vibration on acceleration and highway speeds off rockauto. Would not recommend


GKN makes the Audi axles. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-cv-axle-assembly-front-gkn-8k0407271aj

I would only buy a GKN OEM or a raxles reman. Or a used original, which I have done to deal with a torn boot - https://wolfautoparts.com/cv-axle-shaft-8k0407271q-ps11213.html

Original B8.0 S4 front axle was rev Q, replaced later by rev AJ. So either works for the purpose.


Maybe that is what I was thinking, GKN.

I bought them from FCP.


Thanks for the feedback everyone. Unfortunately most of the comments are indeed referring to the OEM axles made by GKN. My inquiry was regarding the aftermarket (half-the-price) alternatives.

I've come across many mentions of Raxles, but was under the impression that they weren't operating any more. Maybe the comments I've read are inaccurate and I just need to get to Google and find out. But still, I have a clutch, test pipes, exhaust re-jig on the books for this summer, and I don't want to drop that kind of moolah on a blown CV on top of those things.

[DriveBikeRun]

234665

Website says they’re still open. Give Marty a call.


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[wes8398]

234665

Website says they’re still open. Give Marty a call.



Still more dough than I wanna spend.

[Thugmeet]

I think a decent bet for you might be a used oem axle from a part out

[wes8398]

I think a decent bet for you might be a used oem axle from a part out

I'm leaning more toward a GKN (OEM manufacturer) replacement CV joint kit rather than the entire axle. Just trying to decide if that's better than a new or reman'd Cardone. Likely.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-gkn-drivetech-parts/front-outer-cv-joint-repair-kit/8k0498099b~gkn/

I sent Raxles an email just to see how much they'll be. But I know they're just not going to fit into this year's budget with all the other stuff I'm doing.

[Ashtonts]

Honestly if you look up reviews on any of the non-oe options, you'll find too many horror stories to go down that route. I wouldn't use anything other than OE or Raxles, or rebuild an OE one myself. I don't trust any current aftermarket options for these kinds of cars.

[DriveBikeRun]

☝️that’s sound advice for this platform.


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[sacandagaD]

Honestly if you look up reviews on any of the non-oe options, you'll find too many horror stories to go down that route. I wouldn't use anything other than OE or Raxles, or rebuild an OE one myself. I don't trust any current aftermarket options for these kinds of cars.

Agree 100% I bought remanufactured axles from Cardone for my Honda Element a few years ago, and they vibrated like crazy when accelerating from a stop. Given the age of the S4 platform, and number manufactured, by now there has got to be some used S4 axles out there through places Carpart.com or other salvage sources. Maybe even that guy Landfill, that posts a ton of wrecks in the classified here?

[wes8398]

Honestly if you look up reviews on any of the non-oe options, you'll find too many horror stories to go down that route. I wouldn't use anything other than OE or Raxles, or rebuild an OE one myself. I don't trust any current aftermarket options for these kinds of cars.


☝️that’s sound advice for this platform.


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Agree 100% I bought remanufactured axles from Cardone for my Honda Element a few years ago, and they vibrated like crazy when accelerating from a stop. Given the age of the S4 platform, and number manufactured, by now there has got to be some used S4 axles out there through places Carpart.com or other salvage sources. Maybe even that guy Landfill, that posts a ton of wrecks in the classified here?

Awesome, thanks a lot for reinforcing my gut feeling. Given that my axle shaft itself seems to be in fine condition, I think I'll just be ordering the GKN outer CV linked above and replacing just that. Even though it doesn't seem to be the issue, maybe I'll look at replacing the inner CV while I'm at it. Might as well, I guess.