Inner CV axle boot leaking...

[DougR]

Thanks again for the info, good to know. Should there be any concern about the loss of grease (the amount) or anything else assuming they fix the clamps and the leak?

I took a pic of the passenger side. That crimp looks pretty weak, too.

The amount of grease lost as shown in the pictures wouldn't concern me if the technician used all of the amount supplied with the boot kit. I suggest minimal driving until it's fixed. The dealer will ultimately decide if they want to repack the grease. I've installed boots on three vehicles and found the amount of grease supplied with the kit to be more than adequate. You lost "globs" of grease when you first noticed the problem and the joint wasn't noisy or clicking. I'm assuming technician carefully inspected CV joints for damage before deciding new boots would be sufficient. Keep this repair receipt in a safe place. The chances of developing a problem later as a result of this leak are very remote.

 

[Dynamo]

Oof those crimps look piss poor. The person who did those used the more readily available CV Crimp tool that most mechanics probably have in their box, looks something like this:

Those pliers are a cheaper than the SST and easier to get if you want to crimp them down yourself. Usually if you ate your Wheaties you can get them pretty tight just by hand squeezing them, but that's why they have the 1/2" socket holes in them, most guys just double them up with breaker bars and give them a good squeeze. Just be conscious of keeping the pliers perpendicular on both the X & Y axis when doing that, I have seen them get twisted and result in a leaking clamp before (done it myself once or twice, which was why I was so ecstatic when we got our fancy crimper I mentioned.)

Post Note-

I wouldn't be worried about that small amount of grease that's come out so far, there's plenty inside the axle. I would say either bring it back to the dealer and point it out to them, since they should take care of their crimp job not being good. Or crimp and clean the axles yourself if you feel comfortable doing it.

The amount of grease lost as shown in the pictures wouldn't concern me if the technician used all of the amount supplied with the boot kit. I suggest minimal driving until it's fixed. The dealer will ultimately decide if they want to repack the grease. I've installed boots on three vehicles and found the amount of grease supplied with the kit to be more than adequate. You lost "globs" of grease when you first noticed the problem and the joint wasn't noisy or clicking. I'm assuming technician carefully inspected CV joints for damage before deciding new boots would be sufficient. Keep this repair receipt in a safe place. The chances of developing a problem later as a result of this leak are very remote.

Thanks again for the info. It's still covered by warranty (I even have an extended warranty) so I am going to force the dealer to make it right. I'd make them fix this job though even if I had paid out of pocket.

 

[DougR]

Thanks again for the info. It's still covered by warranty (I even have an extended warranty) so I am going to force the dealer to make it right. I'd make them fix this job though even if I had paid out of pocket.

In an earlier post, I wrote that a service advisor should realize the clamps are not properly crimped if you show him your pictures. However, now that I think about it, perhaps a few may understand and most might not. I suggesting you tell the service writer the new boots are leaking and ask if you may speak with the shop manager (foreman). Take a printout of the 3 pictures and clearance specs that I posted earlier so you can show it to the shop manager along with your photos of the improperly crimped clamps. Hopefully, this will compel the shop manager or an experienced technician to inspect the second repair before they return the vehicle to you.

 

[ProLee]

OP sorry to hear about your mishap...on your second trip to the dealer they better be apologetic for the inconvenience of not inspecting their own work and making you take time out of your schedule for a return visit. If not complain to Toyota Corporate.

 

[SilverTEP]

Looks like poor CV boot strap crimps are a thing now, same issue, I'd rather not buy $250 tool... will Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers, work to crimp it better?

At least the new boot isn't torn, so that's a plus.

 

[DougR]

Looks like poor CV boot strap crimps are a thing now, same issue, I'd rather not buy $250 tool... will Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers, work to crimp it better?

I have the Lisle boot clamp pliers, and yet haven't had a need to use it on the 4Runner. If you can reach the clamp with the tool perpendicular to the boot clamp, then it would be fine to use. If the boot is not leaking, I would tighten the clamp a little bit more and check it once a month for 3 months.

 

[catrains]

yes they did not properly crimp the strap ..

go to the dealership and take pictures on the new vehicles on the lot with the boot strap new and on yours .. not correct....

 

[BlackWorksInc]

yes they did not properly crimp the strap ..

go to the dealership and take pictures on the new vehicles on the lot with the boot strap new and on yours .. not correct....

I would genuinely laugh my ass off if it turns out that the factory wasn't crimping the boots to their own specifications as well.

Shit, now I want to check all the ones on the lot when it gets slow for shit's and giggles. :becky:

 

[CutthroatSlam]

I would genuinely laugh my ass off if it turns out that the factory wasn't crimping the boots to their own specifications as well.

Shit, now I want to check all the ones on the lot when it gets slow for shit's and giggles. :becky:

Toyota undoubtedly has a supplier for CV axles. Probably a Chinese manufacturer who uses women to crimp the clamps. Diversity matters!

 

[Dynamo]

My originals went a little over a year before they leaked. Seems odd that they would just suddenly start leaking like they did.

 

[SilverTEP]

I have the Lisle boot clamp pliers, and yet haven't had a need to use it on the 4Runner. If you can reach the clamp with the tool perpendicular to the boot clamp, then it would be fine to use. If the boot is not leaking, I would tighten the clamp a little bit more and check it once a month for 3 months.

It's leaking, but looks like because the strap is too loose, this axel is brand new, there are no tears.

I'll crimp it until it kinda ears out, same as pic. If it continues leaking I'll switch to warm drive clamps.

 

[Dynamo]

Just posting an update since I got it back from the dealer. They just crimped them further. The crimps aren't as nice looking as from the factory but *knock on wood* they aren't leaking and that's all I really care about.

 

[foamo]

Just had to take my 2019 with 19,400 mi in for leaking front passenger inner cv boot leak.
I was in denial for a while until I got under the truck to change the oil and saw all that oil flung up over everywhere like in your pics.

It's a thing.

***Edit***
Dealer replaced CV boot under warranty. Asked if it was torn. They said that if it's leaking they replace it without further inspection.

 

[Mmullane]

axle leaking

Took my 2019 TRD OFP in for Oil and Tire rotation 32K, was told front axel was leaking will replace entire Axle under warranty. I'm not off roading mostly city not lifted, actually all stock.. weird

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Had a tear on my passenger side at 31k miles, the wheel side boot. It was right by the clamp. I couldn't find a tear until I completely cleaned the boot and pressed it around the clamp. There as a small hole pushing out grease, almost like the clamp made the hole.

This was pre lift, pre tires on my 2018 TRDORP. It was 99% pavement driven, only few dirt roads. I got my rebuilt Toyota axle during my lift.. my 2016 trail boots were super solid, even got poked by a branch. Maybe they changed materials?

I've been eyeing Dobinson's super flex boots.

Rockford Duraboots are the only aftermarket boots that hold up and are all I use. Will never use a neoprene boot unless it’s the last option I have.

Rockford Constant Velocity - C.V. Dura Boot Kit

Edit: Their catalog does not show boots for Gen 5. I would call them to see if they can cross reference.

 

[W.E.G.]

Posting to comment on need for specialty tools.

The Toyota crimp tool is a bit expensive.

Also very popular and desirable.

Unless you are strapped for cash, you can always BUY a specialty tool, and use it as needed, the re-sell it on eBay or some such.

The Toyota tool would sell quickly, and for a good return on a substantial percentage of the original purchase price.

Aftermarket version
09521-24010 - DRIVE SHAFT BOOT CLAMPING TOOL Fit For TOYOTA | eBay

OEM version
https://toyota.service-solutions.com/en-US/Pages/ItemDetail.aspx?SKU=09521-24010

 

[W.E.G.]

Here’s what the tool looks like

 

[DougR]

Aftermarket version
09521-24010 - DRIVE SHAFT BOOT CLAMPING TOOL Fit For TOYOTA | eBay

Amazon has the ZKTool for $70 ... is it genuine?
Amazon.com: ZKTOOL Drive Shaft Clamping Tool Compatible with Toyota/Lexus, 09521-24010 : Automotive

 

[W.E.G.]

Thanks for the Amazon link.

Is it OEM?

If it isn't, it looks like a good copy. Assuming that the pics are representative of what will actually be delivered.

Note that there are no reviews of that item on Amazon. Caveat Emptor as they say.

 

[mrmike7189]

2020 4 runner drivers side CV boot leaked

At my 40K mile oil change, tech noticed leaking grease on my drivers side CV boot. Toyota covered it under my factory powertrain warranty. Replaced entire shaft with new boot. Would have cost me over $600 if not for the warranty!