Leaking CV boots after lift??

[RussToy]

Hey guys I need some help. I guess I need to introduce myself first. My name is Russel and I live in central Ohio. I'm very new to the Toyota 4Runner world, but not new to 4x4's and weekends spent on the trails. I am a converted Wrangler Jeep owner (I know...I said that dirty 4 letter word).

Anyway, I bought my 2000 SR5 with 145xxx miles a little over a year ago. Due to funds, I had to leave it stock until 3-4 weeks ago. I tried not to ask any repeat question on here, so I spent hours reading and searching. Until a was finally ready to pull the trigger...

I purchased the Toytech ultimate lift with the 650lbs springs in front (I'm planning a bumper and winch in near future) and 2" lift springs in the rear. I'm running Toyo A/T II's size 305-70-16 with 1.25 wheel spacers Here's my question: after a week of driving (108 miles all on road)...I put my Toy back on the lift to re-torque my bolts and check my work. To my surprise I found grease splattered all over the front. It's hard to say how much grease. If I had to guess, I would say maybe 1-2 oz. After looking, I discovered the grease was coming out of the CV boot next to the diff...the boot is only leaking out of one end...the end closest to the tire. What bewildered me was...there are no tears/holes in the boot and both clamps on each end of the boot are still on and tight!

Is this normal? Should take the boot off and re-grease the joint? I have know idea how long the boots has been on there...wether it's been replaced or not. Like I said...boot and clamps are in good shape...well except for leaking grease!

Sorry for the long write up...I just wanted to try and give y'all as much info as possible. Any and all help would be appreciated!!! I'm almost afraid to drive it, I don't want to burn up my CV joint!

Thank you very much for your time in advance...
Russel

 

[jmildoc]

I have seen some people tighten these down, I tried adding a clamp to mine when they did the same thing and the whole boot just ripped so now I have two new CV axles and one spare. i would just pull it and replace it with a new one, then reboot it for a spare.

 

[junr]

I installed the Toytec Ultimate lift as well and both my CV boots tore within two days. I've lost all grease and have put about 1500 miles on them that way. you'll be able to drive for a while without grease.

I'm planning on replacing mine towards the end of the year, so I'll probably have close to 3k on them with torn boots.

As jmildoc stated, I would replace them and keep one as a spare.

junr

 

[gannonrt]

I had the same thing happen when I put my lift on two years ago and did .... nothing. I broke on CV off roading a year ago and the other is still stock. I wouldn't worry about it. If you chose to worry then I would order one from cvjreman in Denver and then send your core back to them to get a spare. Replacing a front half axle takes 90-120 minutes if you are mechanically inclined and 30-60 minutes the second time. Also, I'm in northwest Columbus. We should meet up some time.

 

[Harleydoc]

Go one leaking now going to just drive it till it starts popping the replace it.

 

[jmildoc]

Here is what mine looked like

 

[Hepar]

Tearing your CV's is pretty common on these things. Even with a diff drop. The rubber on the CV's doesn't like to be moved around much. Especially considering that it's been in pretty much the same position for over a decade. You can run on them for quite a while before needing to replace them.

 

[darud35]

I just did a 3" lift last weekend and noticed the same thing. It makes sense that the angle change would cause some of the fluid to come out. I'm going to pull the tires off this weekend and decide if I want to redo the clamps, or maybe get new boots.

I too am near Columbus! We need to get a group together. I believe there's a place in Xenia that usually allows 4x4's. I haven't been able to take mine out yet.

 

[gannonrt]

I just did a 3" lift last weekend and noticed the same thing. It makes sense that the angle change would cause some of the fluid to come out. I'm going to pull the tires off this weekend and decide if I want to redo the clamps, or maybe get new boots.

I too am near Columbus! We need to get a group together. I believe there's a place in Xenia that usually allows 4x4's. I haven't been able to take mine out yet.

Oh man. I'm smelling a 4Runner only run in December. I know of non-maintained township roads by Tar Hollow State Forest that we could run on a Saturday. I'll organize.

 

[darud35]

Oh man. I'm smelling a 4Runner only run in December. I know of non-maintained township roads by Tar Hollow State Forest that we could run on a Saturday. I'll organize.

I'M IN!!! I've been itching to try the new tires and lift. Shoot me a pm when you get the details figured out.

 

[RussToy]

I'M IN!!! I've been itching to try the new tires and lift. Shoot me a pm when you get the details figured out.

X2...I've never had my Toy off the road. I too just got new tires with my lift. A little worried cause I haven't gotten a body lift yet...

I would like to thank everyone that replied. Sounds like this is very common issue. Since my boots are not ripped/torn, I'm just going to keep a close eye on them. Thank again guys...

 

[white_n_slow]

Mine tore within weeks of lifting as well. I bought a re-boot kit rather than a replacement axle, but we'll see how it holds up.

 

[shadow247]

With 345k miles on the original CV's, I was not suprised that mine tore and leaked. I just replaced them with MasterPro brand new CV axles from O'Reilly. Of course I tore one on the inner boots during install, so I get to go back and do it all over again. I am just waiting for them to have some wear on them so I can take advantage of the warranty. It didn't seem worth the labor to reboot.

 

[RussToy]

Mine tore within weeks of lifting as well. I bought a re-boot kit rather than a replacement axle, but we'll see how it holds up.

After you replaced your boot...did it leak any grease? How long have you had your new boots on? Wondering if its worth replacing mine?

 

[jmildoc]

After I put a new one on it started leaking at the smaller boot within about two weeks. But it only leaked a little and hasnt leaked since.

 

[RussToy]

After I put a new one on it started leaking at the smaller boot within about two weeks. But it only leaked a little and hasnt leaked since.

That makes me believe mine will be ok. I think mine leaked due to the "new" angle the CV joint is running at now, due to the lift. This is my thought: The boot was full of grease while the CV joint was running level, and now that it is running at an angle...there is too much grease in the boot. Therefore, the "extra" grease now has been forced out...so, now it should be ok! I wiped off all the grease and since then...we are leak free. At least that's what I hope has happened.

 

[TOPSECRETTUNDRA]

Mine leaked right away too. Reboot kit and they have been good ever since.

 

[Loud Runner]

Same issue here, just lifted it and noticed the grease splatter from the cv boot. Sounds like I just need to keep a close eye on it and be ready to replace.

 

[nightnurse]

Bringing this thread back from the dead. Just lifted mine, and after about 10 miles of driving, noticed the same as mentioned above. Upon inspection, no rips or tears to the boots, just leaking from the clamped edges, both axles, diff side. Will continue to monitor.

 

[Badmotorfinger]

Just found my passenger inner boot completely split in half.

Time for more money to go bye bye.