CV Boot Grease

Hey guys,

So I received both of my cv boots in the mail today and I am about to tackle this project, however I do have a question. If you look at the photo below you'll notice that my inner boot kit came with 3 grease packs. Is it really necessary to put all 3 packs into the inner cv joint? The only reason I ask is because the last time I replaced the cv boots on my passenger side (about 2 years ago) the kit came with 2 packs at that time. I used both packs of grease then. After I took my car for a test drive when I was finished, a bunch of grease had escaped from my inner joint and it got slung out everywhere underneath my car and I'm pretty sure there was way too much grease packed inside. And yes- I did tighten the clamp al the way down. I really don't want a repeat of last time- especially where I'd have to crawl back underneath my car to clean everything up.....I can't imagine putting 3 packs of grease in there if 2 was way too much last time! What are your thoughts/opinions? Maybe they just sent me extra grease just in case? As always- thanks guys!

Originally Posted by Sean McClellan

Hey guys,

....I can't imagine putting 3 packs of grease in there if 2 was way too much last time! What are your thoughts/opinions? ...

Attachment 475717

The boot kits I have received sometimes have 1 and sometime 3 packets of CV joint grease. Yes, it is confusing. I have put 2 packets in and have not had a problem with losing grease, however. Are you using the factory clamps that require the special tool? That Lisle tool has 1/2" drive openings so you can get extra leverage with ratchet handles.

Bentley (pages 311-7 & 311-9) gives "CV joint lubricant capacity" for inner CV joint, 85 grams (3.0 oz), and outer CV joint, 80 grams (2.8 oz).

Just make sure the cv is packed and there is some extra grease in the boot, you don't have to use all of them if you think that is too much.

Why are you even replacing the inner boot? The outer is the one that fails. The inner sometimes leak at the inside clamp and all you have to do is crimpt it tighter.

I can tell you I just just replaced an axle that was leaking grease and I cannot begin to tell you how much grease came out. Whatever they give you is probably correct considering what i saw..

Id pull the axles out and send them both to get rebuilt. It cost about $90.00 an axle, and you wont have to worry about the grease. I just had both of my front axles rebuilt. If your gona reboot them you may as well have them rebuilt. I know a drive line shop that only does drive axles and shafts. Its worth it.

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Originally Posted by bmwbob89

Why are you even replacing the inner boot? The outer is the one that fails. The inner sometimes leak at the inside clamp and all you have to do is crimpt it tighter.

I am replacing the inner boot because I'll already have the whole axle out and I will know that both boots are brand new. I just don't want to have to pull the axle out again if the inner boot does somehow tear. Besides- the inner boot kit was only $10 and I'd say that's a good price.

Originally Posted by the720dbandit

Id pull the axles out and send them both to get rebuilt. It cost about $90.00 an axle, and you wont have to worry about the grease. I just had both of my front axles rebuilt. If your gona reboot them you may as well have them rebuilt. I know a drive line shop that only does drive axles and shafts. Its worth it.

I'll keep that in mind for next time- however I haven't had any vibration issues whatsoever before my outer boot tore. I'm just going to repack the joints and wait until I get vibrations again-then I will probably get them rebuilt or buy OE new ones. Actually come to think of it- I have brand new ball bearings from the last outer joint that I replaced on my passenger side axle. I ordered a new outer joint from the stealership and the threads were all screwed up where the axle nut screws on. I kept the new ball bearings and carrier and put the old ones into the defective joint, and swapped the defective joint for a new one at the stealership. Looks like I'll put those spare bearings into my driver's side outer joint. Awesome! Glad I just remembered that!

Only need one per boot.

Well what do ya know? I just finished up with my driver's side CV boots and after taking it for a test drive I got underneath the car. Yepp, it slung grease out from the inner joint. So I went in the middle- I used about 2 out of the 3 packs of grease that came with the inner boot kit. Now I'm going to have to keep an eye on it until it decides that it has let enough grease out, and I'll be under there from time to time wiping the grease up. At least its better than not having enough grease in the joint...

I don't think the amount of grease slung out is a function of how much grease is in that particular boot. I think it just means the clamp is no good and you should try another.

Originally Posted by Sean McClellan

... it slung grease out from the inner joint. ...

What kinds of clamps are you using? Photo?

I think better clamps would make perfect seals. The heavy, factory-type clamps provided with GKN boot kits seal well.

Originally Posted by latitude39

What kinds of clamps are you using? Photo?

I think better clamps would make perfect seals. The heavy, factory-type clamps provided with GKN boot kits seal well.

I used the clamps provided with the boot kit. (GKN Lobero) This is the 2nd this has happened to me while performing this type of repair. I literally clamped it down as hard as I could. I even attached 2 1/2" drive ratchets to my special clamp tool and crimped it as hard as I could. Even after that the boot still wasn't on as tight as it should be. I then took it to my local Indy shop and had them crimp it more. They managed to get it on tighter but it's definitely not an air tight seal. When I compress the axle in and pull it out (compressing and stretching the inner boot) I hear air entering and escaping. It's only a little though, but it's definitely there. This was the exact same problem as my last cv boot repair on my passenger's side. I don't know what else to do- I've crimped the living crap out of these things...

I read somewhere that you should burp the boots to remove excess air before you tighten the clamps. Sometimes the trapped air inside will force grease out as the boot seeks its final install orientation while driving.

He just did mine today and wooo all new boot and only the outer one
the boot came whit an 115 gramm of grease ..d'int take the axle out of the trans
just cleaned the inner boot and axel repack and a new clip..