Leaking CV Boot - what to do?

[HomerJay]

I have a 2004 4Runner (4WD)
I did my brake pads and rotors 2 weekends ago thanks to the great advice and suggestions from this site. The new brakes work perfectly.

Unfortunately, when I had the front left wheel off, I noticed that the small inner band on the cv boot was loose and had leaked some boot grease. It's hard to judge how much, but it wasn't a complete mess in there, cleaned off with some grease lightning in 5 minutes.

So, what do you recommend? Just pry off the little band and buy/install a new one? Or should I cut the 2 bands off, clean out the boot, fill with grease, and reattach new bands? (I am honestly scared that I'm going to accidentally cut the boot and wind up with a massive project on my hands.)

What is the danger to just sealing with a new band? The larger band (closer to the center of the truck) is fully secure.

Thanks again!

 

[Kmvreter]

Check the link in my signature or search the site about the fix.

You can pry open the existing clamp and cut it off without hurting the boot. I did a total regrease on one side and a reclamp on the other. Sounds like you just need a clamp. Get the narrow band clamp that fits properly in the groove in the boot. Mine are still tight years later.

 

[djlandkpl]

I just repaired one of my CVs. I could not find CV clamps at my local parts stores. I wound up ordering these online from McMaster-Carr. These clamps were used in a different write up on fixing CV boots.

McMaster-Carr Small Clamp
McMaster-Carr Big Clamp

If you are going to go through the effort, you might as well clean all the grease out of the joint and boot and repack it. The outer joint takes 9.1 ounces of grease and I think the inner is in the 8 ounce range.

 

[WXman]

Installing new clamps can be a P I T A. My advice is if you decide to attempt it, clean ALL the grease off the outer part of the boot that the clamp rests on first and also clean all the grease off the axle shaft where the boot squeazes against it. Not having all these areas dry and grease free will result in it being impossible to fully tighten the clamp and you won't seal anything off.

I did the best I could with mine and I am just going to drive it until it breaks and replace the entire CV shaft. Screw these boot clamps.

 

[TheeMikeB]

I still stand by replacing the entire CV, it's easier/faster/cleaner. Seems overkill but it's my $.02