Leaking CV on 5th Gen?

[hishaun84]

Anyone have an issue with leaking CV boots on 5th gens? There are no rips or tear's but I have a very slight leak on both inner boots. I'm thinking its accident related (long story for another thread...) but the dealership is saying it's because of the CV angles due to the lift. I'm definitely not ruling that out, but I have the diff drop kit and my CV angles are damn near stock.

During some research I found quite a few threads in the 4th gen section, but nothing here in the 5th gen.

2014 with 20k miles, lift specs in my sig.

 

[bimrunner]

Anyone have an issue with leaking CV boots on 5th gens? There are no rips or tear's but I have a very slight leak on both inner boots. I'm thinking its accident related (long story for another thread...) but the dealership is saying it's because of the CV angles due to the lift. I'm definitely not ruling that out, but I have the diff drop kit and my CV angles are damn near stock.

During some research I found quite a few threads in the 4th gen section, but nothing here in the 5th gen.

2014 with 20k miles, lift specs in my sig.

Been there, done that. I purchased some high quality worm driven hose clamps with smoothed edges. Do a search for them, lots of guys have gone that route. Replace the stock stainless band with the worm driven one to get it tight enough. Don't over-tighten though. Here is one of many links out there to some folks with write ups: Problems with CV boot clamp - YotaTech Forums. I didn't look at this one perse, but get your google-fu on and you'll find you are not alone.

 

[hishaun84]

Thanks brother! How many miles were you at when yours started leaking? 20k seems a little too early to me, but things happen when you replace stock parts it's fun parts

 

[bimrunner]

Thanks brother! How many miles were you at when yours started leaking? 20k seems a little too early to me, but things happen when you replace stock parts it's fun parts

Probably 25k. I tore a boot, replaced it but couldn't get the clamp tight enough so began leaking a little. That was two years ago and I'm at 45k not leaking at all with the proper sized hose clamps on both inner and outer boots on both sides. Look for clamps the correct width and rounded (not sharp) edges. I trimmed them back after installing and went just a tad tighter than I had the stock clamps (leaking) and test drove at speed for 1 mile, checked, tighten slightly and repeated until dry. I checked daily for a week and I look every time I grease the DS and do UCA maint. Dry and looks like new still. I also carry an extra set when wheeling and a spare axle or two if I'm doing the rubicon or similar trail. I've never had to do them on the trail, but rather be prepared.

 

[hishaun84]

Cool, thanks again! The only thing that worries me a little is the axle itself might be damaged/bent. 6 months ago it was in a front-end collision thanks to some guy high on PCP... Yeah, sketchy. This is all speculation because my wife was driving and things don't quite add up, but here's my guess. I'm thinking the front passenger tire took most of the impact because the knuckle clearly nailed the metal stopper on the lower control arm and caused an error code (steering angle exceeded) and blew out both outer boots. In fact, the cv grease that got on the sidewalk of the tire completely at away at it while sitting in the body shop for over a month.

So instead of replacing both CV's, they just replaced the outer boots and now all of a sudden I have a leak on the inner boots. Could be coincidence but is there a way to test if the axles are in fact damaged? Maybe a vibration is causing the leaky boot? Truck drives fine and no issues in 4WD that I can tell.

Here's the aftermath...

 

[hishaun84]

Driver side

 

[hishaun84]

Tire damage supposedly from the cv grease... Never seen this before and to me it looked like the tow truck guy towed it ass up and something was dragging against the inner sidewall... Definitely looks like friction damage to me, but Im no mechanic

 

[hishaun84]

She looks bad, but did a great job of keeping my wife safe!

 

[bimrunner]

Wow! I'm glad she was ok! I'd have had them replace the whole axle tbh. I don't know how to test it though without taking it all apart. I'd say that something is definitely not right but idk. That is the crappy thing about accidents. Unless you really know the people doing the work, you just are always wondering. I'd ask someone in the business you trust (if there is one) for a second opinion.

 

[hishaun84]

Quick update: I took it back to the dealership and they replaced both inner CV boots under warranty. I'm not entirely sure that will fix the problem and am still skeptical about the condition of the CV joints, but time will tell.

Shout out to the service department at Koons Toyota of Annapolis! They were very understanding and didn't immediately blame the leak on my lift. They took it in late in the afternoon and had it done by noon today. I've taken my 4Runner there since day 1 for service and have had a great experience with them every time.

 

[e60ral]

you got hit that hard and had visible damage to the CVs and the insurance company didn't replace the axle?

it's good that toyota replaced the boots, but i would really push back on the insurance company about this. did the PCP guy's insurance cover this or did you file through your insurance? If their insurance gives you a hard time, you can file with your insurance and let them deal with the other insurance company.

 

[hishaun84]

you got hit that hard and had visible damage to the CVs and the insurance company didn't replace the axle?

In my opinion, the CV's weren't damaged in the accident. I've never seen anything like that before and my wife said she barely felt the impact. Also, the airbags didn't go off so either the angle was wrong, or the impact wasn't very severe.

I think the tow truck driver towed it incorrectly for 30 miles which would explain the damage to the inside of the tire sidewall. I honestly can't think of any other explanation. But to your point, I agree that the CV's should have been replaced. If it starts leaking again, that's what I'll demand.

I will say that the 4WD works great. No clunking, binding, or popping in 4hi or 4lo.

Accidents suck ass... Especially when reckless dudes with no insurance cause them.

 

[hishaun84]

you got hit that hard and had visible damage to the CVs and the insurance company didn't replace the axle?

it's good that toyota replaced the boots, but i would really push back on the insurance company about this. did the PCP guy's insurance cover this or did you file through your insurance? If their insurance gives you a hard time, you can file with your insurance and let them deal with the other insurance company.

Oh, missed this part. He didn't have insurance and the plates on his truck were stolen. Huge mess... Good thing we had uninsured motorist coverage. State Farm has been great every step of the way. I think this is just one of those unforeseen circumstances that I have to deal with.