New rear axel outside cv leak x 2

[MPienta]

Greetings,

 

I have a 2001 Boxster S (6speed) and replaced both rear axels recently. The passenger side axel has leaked grease on the outer CV joint on two new axels I have installed, after only a couple of hundred miles of driving. The leak is at a “metal seam” and not due to the boots. See picture .

 

The replacement axels were decent aftermarket variety using two different brands.

 

I’m wondering if I just got unlucky with the quality of the replacement parts or if some other issue, such as a bad wheel bearing, is causing the failure. I assumed that left and right side axels are interchangeable but I sometimes see the OEM axels listed specifically for left or right side?

 

Any thoughts?? Thx, Michael

[JFP in PA]

1 hour ago, MPienta said:

Greetings,

 

I have a 2001 Boxster S (6speed) and replaced both rear axels recently. The passenger side axel has leaked grease on the outer CV joint on two new axels I have installed, after only a couple of hundred miles of driving. The leak is at a “metal seam” and not due to the boots. See picture .

 

The replacement axels were decent aftermarket variety using two different brands.

 

I’m wondering if I just got unlucky with the quality of the replacement parts or if some other issue, such as a bad wheel bearing, is causing the failure. I assumed that left and right side axels are interchangeable but I sometimes see the OEM axels listed specifically for left or right side?

 

Any thoughts?? Thx, Michael

 

Welcome to RennTech

Like many shops, we have not had much luck with aftermarket axles for these cars, and yes, the left and right axles are different, which is something aftermarket suppliers often seem to not understand. We recommend only rebuilding the factory units, or in cases of more dire condition, only replacing them with factory units.  The grief factor with aftermarket just isn't worth the price differential.

[MPienta]

Thx for the reply.