Better than OEM axles/CV

[silverman]

I posted this on vortex also, but it can't hurt to x-post on here!

So, here it goes...

Being low and on crappy roads around here, I have gone through two sets of front CV joints. I know other people in many different applications have had this issue when it comes to being lowerd. I need to know if there are any axles, or cv joints that are better than OEM on the market. The only thing I have found for A4 quattro cars are the ones from JHM and it seems to be the only thing that makes them better is the fact that they are solid shafts.

Am I missing something here or are the actual joints upgraded in any way? I thnk the JHM units have upgraded boots as well, will this actually help the joint life? I know it will prevent them from tearing as easily and letting contaminants in. Though I'm unsure if this is the major factor that causes the excessive wearing.

Has anyone considered raising their engine to reduce the angle of the axle? I know there are ways to help improve the longevity of the axles, other than raising the car!

[Turbo Nerd]

JHM use the Chinese axles, I have seen them blow in 2k miles. As for your other questions I don't have a clue since I'm probably not as low as you, both my outer CV's need to be rebuilt. Got a pic of how low you are and a GTF?

[silverman]

Well I'm not even that low but I plan on going lower asap. I don't wanna do it however if I'll be running into issues quickly.

[silverman]

SAM_1264

SAM_1263

Less than a half an inch lower now.

[fumundacheze]

Mine are blown too, I was wondering the same thing. If you find anything out on better quality CV's and axles hit me up man. Roads are shit around here too.

[silverman]

So far all Im hearing on vortex is to go with Raxles...

[biketsai]

Ive heard great things from Raxles, but do they make ones for the B5?
You could always buy from Advance Autoparts which carry a lifetime warranty.

[ThatA4T]

Ive heard great things from Raxles, but do they make ones for the B5?
You could always buy from Advance Autoparts which carry a lifetime warranty.

x2 thats what i run, the brand is csp i believe

[bmarshall]

Do you mean the CV boots are torn? You shouldn't wear the CV out if they are greased properly. The surface of the ball race is hardened.
034 do an uprated CV and axle for high HP engines.

[silverman]

hummm... I think I should just go with the napa parts and replace them when needed. That almost sounds more realistic.

[Papa_Dios]

I got mine from Advance lifetime warranty they are the GSP axles. Not that bad if you ask me and in case they go bad warranty them out.

[BenjaminR]

I'm running advanced auto's also and have no complaints yet. Have over 8k on them. Granted I'm still at stock height but I went with them b/c of the lifetime warranty. Cant really argue with that.

[anothersilver]

I have Raxels on my B5 A4...I am sure they can make you a set.

[M-Hood]

The issue isn't the quality of the axles, the issue is that your car is too low and causing too much stress on the CV. The lower you go the further the away the hub moves from the trans flange. You most likely need a slightly longer axle if your so low that your killing OEM axles.

Just sounds like you have lowered the car beyond what the stock axles are designed for.

[99blueb5]

ive had napa axles and ive been 24" GTF for the last 30k and have held up to many hard launches with my fx400 puck clutch, so i think they will be fine for your application

[silverman]

Could lifting the engine help that at all? I know it sounds silly but I have a friend who did it on his gti, which much simpler, I know.

[v dub'n]

Could lifting the engine help that at all? I know it sounds silly but I have a friend who did it on his gti, which much simpler, I know.

You can lift the engine a buddy did this with his race car so he could tuck his tire and still have the proper angle for his axle's but he also built a one piece front end so he did'nt have to worry about the the engine hitting the hood. I'm not sure how much clearence you have but I know i cant raise my motor my hood has already been cut for space.

[XPK LINE]

ttt

[bw86]

Rebuild the stock axles

[silverman]

^^^ that's too easy and both of mine have been rebuilt twice.

[silverman]

How much could I raise it realistically? I want to help the axles without having to extend everything or mess up the rest of the drivetrain.

[RedHotDobe]

EMPI axles have a solid shaft versus the hollow shaft in OEM axles. From what I could find, that's the only thing that makes them better than OEM. My CV boot is torn and the EMPI axles are relatively inexpensive, so I was going to replace the entire axle instead of just the boot. Then I stumbled across a thread on vortex where everyone said they had gone through several in a short period of time. Haven't yet decided what I'm going to do now. I'm not particularly interested in replacing axles every week.

I have motor mount spacers. They're 1", I think.

As a disclaimer, I have a Mk4, not a B5.

[ZimbutheMonkey]

Just get the Raxles units. Marty will stand by his stuff. I had a set on my car, Marty knew full well it was lowered and when I told him my outer joint was clicking he didn't even flinch before offering to send me another outer joint. The sad thing is that I've been so conditioned to vendors being dicks about warranty claims that I was automatically assuming that I was going to have to fight with him as well. I'll tell you, it's a relief to finally find someone who stands behind their shit when it's used on something other than a bone stock application.

[clouds_aflame]

I went with Raxles last year and was very impressed. Good customer service, and they ship you basic tools to do the job. Unnecessary for a decent DIYer, but endearing nonetheless. Decent price too, and way easier than repacking the joint.

[silverman]

As soon as I get my E-codes in and some money I'll be ordering Raxles! I love this site.