Note on E46 CV Axles and Rebuilds

[Fried_Chicken]

I couldn't find this information anywhere.
My CV Axles are shot. Full disclosure, it's my fault for how I installed them.

I got a new set of Manual Transmission axles, axle rebuild kits, and started today going to fix rebuild them.
There are zero DIY videos or information available anywhere.
I got the boots off removed the grease, and looked and looked for a circlip to take the axles apart: none to be found.

Finally I found a site with some information:
https://www.seemslegitgarage.com/pos...bout-bmw-axles

Called them; these guys confirmed the manual axles are pretty much not rebuildable, they recommend the auto axles for being just as strong if not stronger, and said for the installation you need the output flanges from an auto diff and the small size spacers they sell herE:
https://www.seemslegitgarage.com/pro...w-axle-spacers

I'm now stuck debating on what I want to do: either re-lube and put together the MT axles with the old boots or go the Auto axle + spacer + diff flange route.

Regardless I feel it's important to put this information here.

[GeorgeH]

If you aren't ultra low why do you need the spacers?

If you have a stock auto shaft and output flanges isn't that exactly what a stock car would use?

[Fried_Chicken]

If you aren't ultra low why do you need the spacers?

If you have a stock auto shaft and output flanges isn't that exactly what a stock car would use?

I have the stock manual axles. If I want to put the auto axles, apparently I need the spacers.

[GeorgeH]

If I want to put the auto axles, apparently I need the spacers.

Why though? that is weird, which makes me wonder if the rest of their info can be trusted in this area.

I have not tried to rebuild a MT CV shaft so I can't comment on their rebuildability.

[Fried_Chicken]

Why though? that is weird, which makes me wonder if the rest of their info can be trusted in this area.

I have not tried to rebuild a MT CV shaft so I can't comment on their rebuildability.

I'm literally telling you what I'm doing as I'm doing it.
I tried rebuilding the CV Axles, and could find no way to rebuild them.
I found no other info online, until I reached out to him and he gave me details on these CV Axles. I'm passing this along, because there is literally no other information available that I (and presumably anyone else) can easily find.

That said, I think I've diagnosed my creaking now not as bad CV axles, but sway bar bushings.