LEAKING *Love my Toytec Lift BUT..:( Help this girl...

[04runnerGirl33]

first off Love the forum. Always use it for how to's and research. I am having a problem finding a definitive answer for leaking CV's after install of Toytec Ultimate lift..I drove it about 500 miles when I took it in for check up found fluid everywhere which i know is common..

My set up: 125k miles
I have the Toytec Ultimate lift kit with LR/UCAs and front diff drop kit. I dont' have the front raised up as high as it allows ..

- 285/70/17
- Spider trax spacers
What I have found
1. Clamp it? -- Doesnt seen like a permanent fix seems to tear boot
2. Replace only boots??
3. Replace both cv axle shaft with new ones
-- Replace with Toyota Parts?
-- Replace with after Market? -- Will this fix the problem

I knew this would be a problem when putting on the lift.. Heard a lot about cvjreman.com or also getting them from Nappa.....

Anyone with a definitive fix for the new angle and stress on the CV joints would be greatly appreciated.

 

[who done it]

Check if your boots are torn first.

IF they are then you are going to have to replaced the boots themselves.

IF they aren't then just get some clamps as the stock ones suck.

When i lifted my truck, my boots were leaking. They weren't torn though, so i repacked the boots with grease and put the new clamps on. Use the ones the guys on the website suggest, they won't tear into the boots.

Replacing CV bands - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[04runnerGirl33]

Boots are not torn we had it on lift a few minutes ago.. Installer didnt seem to like the idea of clamps said it wouldnt fix problem?...

Thanks for the reply

 

[ghostridr]

Check if your boots are torn first.

IF they are then you are going to have to replaced the boots themselves.

IF they aren't then just get some clamps as the stock ones suck.

When i lifted my truck, my boots were leaking. They weren't torn though, so i repacked the boots with grease and put the new clamps on. Use the ones the guys on the website suggest, they won't tear into the boots.

Replacing CV bands - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Clamps purchased here McMaster-Carr for Upper & Lowers CV boots in case anyone needs to find them.

1 5574K16 1 Pack 304 Ss Smooth-band Worm-drive Hose Clamp, 1" To 1-5/8" Clamp Dia Range, 3/8" Band Width
2 5574K24 1 Pack 304 Ss Smooth-band Worm-drive Hose Clamp, 3-1/2" To 4-3/8" Clamp Dia Range, 3/8" Band Width

15 minute do-it-yourself job that only requires a screwdriver and the wheels to be turned for added clearance.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I would double check the inboard small diameter clamp, just behind it is where they like to tear. I had a similar issue before I installed my lift. (I know you said you found no tears, but they can be hard to see due to the proximity to the clamp.)

After verifying the boot is not indeed torn, I would try to judge how long its been leaking for. The reason being you need to make the judgement call of replacing the CV axle (due to excessive loss of grease and running the vehicle without proper lubrication on those joints increasing wear and shortening lifetime, unlikely but a possibility.) or replacing and repacking the CV Boot. More than likely you'll be fine with replacing the boots and repacking them with new grease.

If you don't feel like doing the labor to install a new boot (will require removal of the cv axles and partial dissasembly of the outboard CV joint.) I would recommend new clamps for the boots. I know you technican does not think this will be a permenent solution, but from what we (forum members and fellow technicans who have seen this on 4Runners) the clamps seem to weaken/loosen; what ever the reason they allow a gap and thus the leak when the boot spins. Members have had best sucess with new marine grade clamps and injecting new grease into the boots.

I hope that helps you out.

 

[04runnerGirl33]

 

[04runnerGirl33]

This is why I am here on the forum looking for answers and help and not still at the install shop .... So when I lifted the 4runner the extra pressure may have caused the clamps to tear or open?? So if replaced should fix..

I will take it back and double check for no rips.. It does have close to 130k so I may go ahead and replace boots as well...

 

[macoyle]

To add here too for future reference. The same thing happens to most newly lifted 4runners, what I did as well as some others was install some adjustable band clamps over the boot, and secure it. I also had a needle attachment for my grease gun and added more grease for peace of mind. Good luck!

 

[ebg18t]

I would pump the boots full of new grease and replace the clamps with something better.

 

[JET4]

clamps worked fine for me

 

[sonerick]

+1 on the clamps.

Started leaking after I installed my lift, put the clamps on, and have driven it 30k with no problems. IMO, might as well try a cheap clamp and squeeze as many miles as you can out of the CVs before spending money on re-booting them or replacing them.

Edit: I used the clamps from McMaster-Carr posted by ghostridr

 

[YotaDan]

If the boots are not torn, then I would suggest just cleaning up the mess and running it. Because of the lift, there is more angle on the CVs at resting ride height. The grease just got moved around and the excess pushed out of the boot. The CV joint itself will most likely last longer than the boots. So in the future when the boots do eventually tear, then you can just get some new half-shafts and call it good. Much easier and less of a mess than trying to replace the boots themselves.

 

[04rnr]

Im NOT, a "know-it-all" but this worked for me on both my rigs.
First, as long as the boots are not torn/ripped, clean up the mess.
Then, add a hose clamp.
Then, get some Rescue Tape (Rescue Tape - World's #1 Brand of Silicone Tape!) and apply the Rescue Tape over the new clamps.
This has worked GREAT for me.
Im not saying it will work for you, but its holding up great for me.:yo:

 

[04runnerGirl33]

thanks for the feedback... Decided to Replace today with CVJ axles...............will post results soon

 

[WhiteManFlail]

Had to bump this thread as I have grease flinging out of my inner boot after I installed my 2.5"/2.0" lift yesterday. I'm glad I noticed it before loosing too much lube.... :banana:

Anyways, Thanks again forum. I dont know what i'd do without you...