CV joints

[MOSHO92]

See the grease splatterd on the subframe... It looks like it is comming out of the CV joint boot. Is this something i can live with or will it lead to catastrophic failure?!?!?

<small>[ August 27, 2003, 03:38 AM: Message edited by: MOSHO92 ]</small>

 

[Mr Anonymous]

It's a matter of deciding to install a cheap speedy-boot now, or replacing the whole CV shaft later.

 

[projectSHO89]

A "real" replacement boot is about $15 from AutoZone. Forget the speedi-boot.

You can also replace the whole axle for around $60 or so.

The job is not difficult, but is very messy.

Steve

 

[MOSHO92]

I'm doing my clutch job pretty soon so i will have them mostly out. Should i replace the entire unit or just the boot. I'm thinkin' just the boot, as i'm already spending close to a grand in parts. If i do replace the boot, do i need to re-grease the joint?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

projectSHO89:
The job is not difficult, but is very messy.

And don't let the grease get on your driveway or garage floor -- it will eat right through it!

 

[shojuan]

If it were me I would clean up the boot and shaft area really good and inspect for tears or any other breaks in the boot. Maybe the boot was overpacked and grease was being forced out by hot expanding air inside the boot. Inspect the clamps. If it looks like the boot is making a good enough seal to keep dirt out but the clamps look like they could be a little tighter then install new clamps after cutting off the old one(s) (DON'T damage the boot in the process!)

The fact that you're doing a clutch job soon means you'll have a good opportunity to replace the axle if it comes down to it. A little leakage from an intact, more or less sealed boot wouldn't make me go running to do a repair.

In any event, clean up the area and inspect. The come back to see if anybody disagrees with me and if they put up a good argument for immediate replacement then consider listening to them instead.

 

[rangerj]

MOSHO92,

It looks like the rear (small) clamp is missing and the grease is seeping out the end of the boot. The amount of grease shown in the picture is not a lot. If the clamp is missing or loose it should be replaced.

I agree with SHOJAUN, that is, if the boot is not torn or cracked, or split open, it will be OK until you do the other work.

The clamp should be available at any auto parts store. The tool used to crimp the clamp tight is not very expensive, say about $20, and is a good addition to your tools. rangerj

 

[sdpatt]

That is actually not much grease. When grease leaks in an area exposed to road grit, the volume of the mess is incerased by the dirt that is entrained into the sticky grease. I had a similar situation on my "seasoned" (read: very old) inner CV joint boots. The problem was the lack of tightness of the clamp on the shaft that allowed the grease to escape. It is unlikely that dirt has gotten into the boot. With that small amount of leakage, you would likely be safe in just reclamping the boot. I had more leakage and added some new CV joint grease inside the boot with a hypo type needle before reclamping. I have been pleased and surprised with the longevity of my all original CV joints: 279,250 miles so far.