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Grease leak, how bad?

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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:00 AM
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Grease leak, how bad?

When I stopped by a shop and the dealership about a month or so ago, they both mentioned that I should replace the "Right outer CV boot". But I have not gotten enough money and time to take care of that after a bad repair experience back in January.

When I was checking the tire pressure this morning, I saw something real awful. There's grease all over behind my driver side tire. If I remember it right, driver side is the "left" side. So it should not be something related to that long-due boot repair mentioned earlier.

I took a picture of it from the front (behind the tire) and noticed the grease is coming from where the red arrow is pointing at. The grease dripped down and flew everywhere while driving.....

Could someone tell me what's the technical term for that part? And is it possible for me get it repaired instead of replace the whole thing? Basically money-wise concerns.....

Thanks....
Attached Thumbnails Grease leak, how bad?-dsc00613a.jpg   Grease leak, how bad?-dsc00614a.jpg  
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:03 AM
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correct me if i'm wrong but they have to remove the cv axle anyway so i'd replace the cv axle, but you could just replace the boot, some do that...
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:04 AM
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I went through ESM, and it's called strut assembly? Gee..... this is the last thing I need....

What's approximate cost for whole CV and this assembly? It'd be great if I could get an idea..... Thanks...
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:13 AM
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strut assembly?!?!?! i must be bugging...all my life its been known as a cv axle..or just axle...i just paid 130 for both axles on my 5th gen
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by phatboislim
strut assembly?!?!?! i must be bugging...all my life its been known as a cv axle..or just axle...i just paid 130 for both axles on my 5th gen
I meant where the leak is coming from in the 1st picture attached.
You are not wrong. It's CV axle that the "boot" is about.

And 130 for both axles? I think I might as well do that....

Thanks, man...
Attached Thumbnails Grease leak, how bad?-esm.jpg  
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:27 AM
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no problem...i got mine from napa...they are DSS brand...

as far as that 'leak' thats axle grease slinging out of the busted axle boot
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by phatboislim
no problem...i got mine from napa...they are DSS brand...

as far as that 'leak' thats axle grease slinging out of the busted axle boot
I see...... Thanks a lot for the inputs....
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:38 AM
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no problem
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 10:52 AM
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That grease is not coming from the strut at all. It is coming from your cv axle. As your driving down the road your axle is spinning and flinging all that grease around where that hole is. I would recommend getting a new axle if you have been driving on that one for a while.
Dirt and debris probably got into the joint of the axle and it is most likely grinding it down.
I've gotten A1cardone axles with no issues.

Good luck

Last edited by kiecas17; Mar 23, 2011 at 10:54 AM.
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 11:01 AM
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its ur cv boot like above stated as u drive it spins and is throwing grease around
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 11:59 AM
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Thanks, guys. It all makes sense to me now.... I will get to it ASAP....

Just out of curiosity, what's the symptoms when it runs out of grease? Lots of friction and lots of noise?

Last edited by t65k3; Mar 23, 2011 at 12:01 PM.
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 12:05 PM
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when you turn the wheel you will hear a clicking sound...eventually itll just come apart...unless you are lowered, you have a good amount of time before any of that happens
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 12:47 PM
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If any of the members who has experiences with this repair and would like to make a few extra dollars in the Atlanta area, please PM me.....

I have to be a bit picky for my car here. By "experienced", I meant "at least twice on the CV repair".

I will pay for your time and skill, and we probably will get the parts from NAPA or auto parts stores. PM me with how much you would ask for for replacing CV axles on BOTH sides. I will get the parts.....

(If you can see this message, I have not gotten this done yet). Thanks!

Last edited by t65k3; Mar 24, 2011 at 11:40 AM.
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by t65k3
If any of the members who has experiences with this repair and would like to make a few extra dollars in the Atlanta area, please PM me.....
Directions for driver side axle:
Take wheel off.
Take off cotter pin and nut off tie rod. (some say you don't have to, but imo its better to take it off)
Take two bolts off strut. (only problem your alignment will be off if you don't have the tool)
Take off axle nut.
Then give it a good yank once the spines are out of the hub and it should come right off.
Old Mar 23, 2011 | 01:29 PM
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its a little more difficult then that, as putting it back in you have to be careful to NOT screw up the seal.
Old Apr 12, 2011 | 12:43 PM
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The repair was done. The CV was replaced for $160-ish. Thanks, yall...
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