As I was preparing to run power wiring for my new amp, I discovered a mess of oil (maybe very thin grease) all over the front drivers side wheel well. Upon further inspection there was a fair amount of it on the spring and at the bottom of the strut as well. It has the consistancy of dirty old but is slightly silver colored like old grease. Any idea where it could be coming from? Thanks.

Mike

 

Leaky failed seal on a suspension unit / strutty thing?

Split or leak on the CV joint boot?

Or something else. Sorry I can't be of more help. The Silver bits sound a bit worrying, if you mean like metal filings, though. Serious enough wear to grind metal implies something loaded up / fast moving or both. Do your wheel bearings still feel / sound healthy?

Maybe a thorough jetwash first and then have a very close look every few miles to see where it first reappears.

 

It sounds like your outer CV boot tore and spilled its grease. If you look at the boot, it should be covered in grease among other things (like your spring, strut, brake, wheel).

If you have enough money, go ahead and replace both left and right boots. My left one tore about two weeks ago, and then my right one tore a week after that. It should cost anywhere from $110-$150 per side plus $40-50 for an alignment. Note that only our front wheels (not all 4) can be aligned, so don't let them charge you for a 4 wheel alignment. Good luck.

 

ummm...yes u can adjust the rear wheels..the toe of the rear wheel can be moved. one arm of the lower control arm have a adjusting point in the middle. please check where you get your info.
so let them charge you for all 4 wheel alignment.

 

I am almost positive it is the CV joint boot. I noticed it looked like it had a tear in it when I got under the car. But I am relatively new to playing mechanic on front wheel drive vehicles, so don't really know what all to look for. Wow they are pricy though. Are there any quality aftermarket boots available or should I stick with Nissan ones? Thanks again.

Mike