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CV Boot Grease

15K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  My white xi  
#1 ·
Hey guys,

So I received both of my cv boots in the mail today and I am about to tackle this project, however I do have a question. If you look at the photo below you'll notice that my inner boot kit came with 3 grease packs. Is it really necessary to put all 3 packs into the inner cv joint? The only reason I ask is because the last time I replaced the cv boots on my passenger side (about 2 years ago) the kit came with 2 packs at that time. I used both packs of grease then. After I took my car for a test drive when I was finished, a bunch of grease had escaped from my inner joint and it got slung out everywhere underneath my car and I'm pretty sure there was way too much grease packed inside. And yes- I did tighten the clamp al the way down. I really don't want a repeat of last time- especially where I'd have to crawl back underneath my car to clean everything up.....I can't imagine putting 3 packs of grease in there if 2 was way too much last time! What are your thoughts/opinions? Maybe they just sent me extra grease just in case? As always- thanks guys!

 
#2 · (Edited)
Hey guys,

....I can't imagine putting 3 packs of grease in there if 2 was way too much last time! What are your thoughts/opinions? ...

View attachment 475717
The boot kits I have received sometimes have 1 and sometime 3 packets of CV joint grease. Yes, it is confusing. I have put 2 packets in and have not had a problem with losing grease, however. Are you using the factory clamps that require the special tool? That Lisle tool has 1/2" drive openings so you can get extra leverage with ratchet handles.

Bentley (pages 311-7 & 311-9) gives "CV joint lubricant capacity" for inner CV joint, 85 grams (3.0 oz), and outer CV joint, 80 grams (2.8 oz).
 
#7 ·
I am replacing the inner boot because I'll already have the whole axle out and I will know that both boots are brand new. I just don't want to have to pull the axle out again if the inner boot does somehow tear. Besides- the inner boot kit was only $10 and I'd say that's a good price.



Id pull the axles out and send them both to get rebuilt. It cost about $90.00 an axle, and you wont have to worry about the grease. I just had both of my front axles rebuilt. If your gona reboot them you may as well have them rebuilt. I know a drive line shop that only does drive axles and shafts. Its worth it.
I'll keep that in mind for next time- however I haven't had any vibration issues whatsoever before my outer boot tore. I'm just going to repack the joints and wait until I get vibrations again-then I will probably get them rebuilt or buy OE new ones. Actually come to think of it- I have brand new ball bearings from the last outer joint that I replaced on my passenger side axle. I ordered a new outer joint from the stealership and the threads were all screwed up where the axle nut screws on. I kept the new ball bearings and carrier and put the old ones into the defective joint, and swapped the defective joint for a new one at the stealership. Looks like I'll put those spare bearings into my driver's side outer joint. Awesome! Glad I just remembered that!
 
#6 ·
Id pull the axles out and send them both to get rebuilt. It cost about $90.00 an axle, and you wont have to worry about the grease. I just had both of my front axles rebuilt. If your gona reboot them you may as well have them rebuilt. I know a drive line shop that only does drive axles and shafts. Its worth it.

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#9 ·
Well what do ya know? I just finished up with my driver's side CV boots and after taking it for a test drive I got underneath the car. Yepp, it slung grease out from the inner joint. So I went in the middle- I used about 2 out of the 3 packs of grease that came with the inner boot kit. Now I'm going to have to keep an eye on it until it decides that it has let enough grease out, and I'll be under there from time to time wiping the grease up. At least its better than not having enough grease in the joint...:eeps: