OVERVIEW
Restore the protective seal around the outer CV joint
The Genuine VW/Audi 7E0-498-203 outer CV joint boot kit renews the flexible enclosure that retains joint grease and keeps water, grit and road debris out of the wheel-end constant-velocity joint. A sound boot allows the joint to articulate as the wheels steer and the suspension moves without exposing its working surfaces to contamination.
This is a boot service kit for the original applications listed below. It is useful when a damaged boot is discovered before the joint has developed significant wear. It does not replace the joint, axle shaft or wheel bearing, and a new boot cannot correct an already worn or contaminated joint.
Technical details
- Complete factory number: 7E0-498-203.
- Factory specification: original 7E0-498-203 boot kit for the assigned front outer CV joint.
- Design: flexible convoluted boot with separate large and small securing clamps and accompanying service hardware.
- Quantity supplied: one individual CV joint boot service kit; the archive photo shows the boot, two clamps, retaining clip, nut, protective cap and one G 052 738 A4 grease tube marked 140 g.
The 140 g marking identifies the photographed grease tube content; it is not a product shipping weight or an instruction to put the entire tube into every joint. Grease quantity, distribution and replacement fastener requirements must follow the repair procedure for the exact axle. Check the original kit number and supplied components rather than selecting by appearance or by the number of folds in the boot.
Common reasons to replace
- A split, punctured or weather-cracked boot is allowing grease to escape onto the wheel, suspension or surrounding underbody.
- A damaged or loose boot clamp no longer seals the boot securely at the joint or shaft.
- The boot has been damaged during another axle repair and the joint remains serviceable after inspection.
- An intact joint is being serviced and its boot or specified single-use attachment hardware must be renewed.
Inspect the joint before deciding on a boot-only repair. Clicking while turning under load, excessive play, rough movement or gritty lubricant can indicate damage that requires further repair. Clean the joint as directed, examine its working surfaces and confirm that water or road debris has not caused corrosion or accelerated wear.
Vehicle fitment
The following applications are confirmed for this exact original kit number. Production dates are essential: a 2012 model may require a later kit. On the A8 applications shown, the dealer assignment is the right outer joint; this table does not authorize use on the opposite side. Confirm the vehicle identification number, original axle configuration and boot-kit number before ordering.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A6 | 2012 | 2.0L turbo gasoline | Premium Plus sedan; front-wheel drive | Front outer CV joint boot; production through November 14, 2011. Match original axle and complete boot-kit number. |
| Audi A8 Quattro | 2012 | 4.2L V8 gasoline | L sedan | Front right outer CV joint boot; production through November 11, 2011. Match original axle and complete boot-kit number. |
| Audi A8 Quattro | 2012 | 6.3L W12 gasoline | L W12 sedan | Front right outer CV joint boot; production through November 11, 2011. Match original axle and complete boot-kit number. |
Installation guidance
Support the vehicle securely and follow the factory axle removal and joint service procedure. Keep the joint and all sealing surfaces clean. Use the specified grease type and amount, seat the boot in its intended grooves without twisting it, and set its installed position and internal air balance as directed before securing the clamps with the appropriate tool.
Install retaining hardware and axle fasteners according to the exact repair instructions, renewing any single-use items required by that procedure. Do not guess clamp compression or axle-nut torque. After assembly, check boot seating and clearance throughout steering and suspension movement and inspect for escaping grease.
Ordering information
Order one kit for one assigned outer CV joint. This listing uses the complete original number 7E0-498-203. Later suffix versions and revised replacement sets must be checked separately for their contents and application. The photographs show the archived kit and are repeated to provide seven image entries; use the fitment table and original part identification to select the correct application.