Gattor split.

[nickelvery]

I had some new tyres put on the car today and he mech noticed one of the gattors attached to the drive shaft and disc end was split and loosing oil.

Is this easy to get fixed or expensive?

Thanks in advance.

Nick

[R5YUG]

I guess you are talking outer (the hub end) or inner (drive shaft to gearbox) gaiters Nick ? And no they aren't the Crocodile/Alligator variety?
Also known as CV boots, I would imagine they are relatively cheap to replace, 1 hours labour a side and would roughly be about £50 for a CV boot kit for each side off the top of my head.

See this Image taken from ETKA showing the inner and outer 'boots' that are the consertina rubber covers on the joints:


HTH Guy

[nickelvery]

Legend, and I will continue to call it a gator!!

It is the hub end that is the problem, now to sound stupid in the attempt to learn more, do the drive shafts have oil in them or just the joints near the wheel because alot of oil seems to be coming out.

Should I get it done now or is it not too bad?

Thanks again.

Nick

[MEPS]

Just had the same problem on mine have had it replaced but also a track rod end was wearing so that was done as well, But I had to have the 4 wheel alignment checked. It is about 3 hours labour to change the gator from Audi but you could probably get it done in quite a few places but I don't know if you have to have the 4 wheel alignment for just a gator change. Hope this helps.

Mark

[R5YUG]

Either end of the drive shaft is a constant velocity (CV) joint/bearing that is surrounded and lubricated by high temperature grease, if the boot or gator cracks (they do over time) they leak. No Grease = big problems for the bearings so wise to get them seem to as soon as possible.
You can buy a CV repair kit that is listed as item 23 in the diagram (haven't got ETKA here in the office to give you the part number) but Audi Parts or GSF will help you. This consists of a new joint, in some cases you can just clean and re-grease and replace the gator, but depends when it was last changed and IMHO while you’ve got the shaft out you may as well replace the lot as you are there and you are unlikely to know how long it has been leaking for or the degree of damage caused.

- Generally you shouldn't need to have the 4 wheel alignment done just for a CV repair, only necessary when the car's geometry is changed, i.e. when you lower, adjust suspension, anti roll bar / bushes, track rods etc. which is why MEPS had his done.
IMHO never get the alignment done anywhere other than A VAG specialist as full 4 wheel alignment is required on these cars, one of the only things worth paying dealer or specialist tuners money for in my opinion. - In other words don't take it to Kwik Fit or similar... a complete waste of money!
HTH Guy

[mikeyquattro]

IIRC I bought an outer boot for my S4 a last year and it was about £21. About an hour to do if the long bolt the holds the upper ball joints comes out ok.
Not done an inner. Seems odd imo that an inner has also gone. The outer CV does a lot more moving about.

My 2p with bleary eyes!

Mike

[s4woody]

the kit from Audi comes with a new bolt,spring clip and washer with a tube of grease..just replace the outer C boot with some new grease and it,ll be ok..if its knocking like mad then change the CV joint..easy to fit..if ya know how...

[dssean]

just be carefull if you buy the kit from audi, i done mine a while ago and replaced the bolt that comes in the kit, i did'nt check it as i did'nt think i needed to but it was longer than the original .it made one hell of a noise when i turned round a bend. it was catching the frame thqt hold the ball bearings in.
be warned , sometimes the parts guy borrow bits from their stock and replace it with wrong bits .so it pays to check evrything!!!!!!!!!

[nickelvery]

Cheers for all the advice guys, I have got it sorted now by a garage near me. I wanted to do it myself but didn't have the time and needed it done quick.

Nick