CV Axel boot slung grease

[Rodek]

The CV Axel on my driver's side decided to sling grease out of the outer boot. Can I replace a boot on this car or should I go ahead and replace the axel or...both axels? Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[dicklague]

You can replace just the boot....you do have to remove the CV joint, and then replace the axle boot.

[Rodek]

Originally Posted by dicklague

You can replace just the boot....you do have to remove the CV joint, and then replace the axle boot.

Thanks for the quick reply! I failed to mention that the car is a '78 SC....if that makes a difference or not, I'm not sure.

[Jdub]

Actually yes, it does, depending on your current mileage and known replacement dates for your axles. If you have say over 135K on an original set of axles I would have them replaced. Many will suggest regreasing the existing, and that can work. But I found at 145K, even after rebuilding the old bearings, the best solution was to replace the bearings at a minimum (and for you, replacing that essential boot that keeps the road crud out).

[Rodek]

Originally Posted by Jdub

Actually yes, it does, depending on your current mileage and known replacement dates for your axles. If you have say over 135K on an original set of axles I would have them replaced. Many will suggest regreasing the existing, and that can work. But I found at 145K, even after rebuilding the old bearings, the best solution was to replace the bearings at a minimum (and for you, replacing that essential boot that keeps the road crud out).

The car has the original axles and has about 143K on the clock. I think it would be best to replace both in my case. Now about these bearings you speak of, is this something that requires maintenance in addition to the axles?

[Rodek]

Can anyone help me understand these bearings mentioned above?

[88911coupe]

I assume they are referring to the Constant Velocity (CV) joints at each end of the axle. This is what allows the wheel to move up and down and the axle moves with it. Many will just remove the old boots and clean up and then regrease the parts, assuming they are not worn or pitted. I did this about 40,000 miles ago on my Carrera and so far (200,000 miles) they are working fine. At some point I'll probably have to replace them. There are a number of threads on this subject, just do a search on rebuilding cv joints and you'll see what I mean.

[Rodek]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

I assume they are referring to the Constant Velocity (CV) joints at each end of the axle. This is what allows the wheel to move up and down and the axle moves with it. Many will just remove the old boots and clean up and then regrease the parts, assuming they are not worn or pitted. I did this about 40,000 miles ago on my Carrera and so far (200,000 miles) they are working fine. At some point I'll probably have to replace them. There are a number of threads on this subject, just do a search on rebuilding cv joints and you'll see what I mean.

Thank you for the education on cv joints. I'll do a search on rebuilding them and see what I come up with.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Rodek

Thank you for the education on cv joints...

Just not yet. Once you read the 400+ post of this one you will be ready for a DIY

Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

[Rodek]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Just not yet. Once you read the 400+ post of this one you will be ready for a DIY

Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

Oh my! You're right! Lots of info from the link you posted. I'll get to reading more right away. Thank you!