Bad news - semi axle boot

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on June 19, 2009 at 8:08pm

When did you first notice the grease? If that suspension was mine I would have been sleeping under the truck past few nights. hehehe My first guess would be that it was pinched while the lift was installed, but I can not tell from the photo. Clean it up a look at it close. If you think it was done during install. Contact the installer and ask how they would like to handle it.

As a temporary fix, patch the hole with some RTV Silicone (let it set up over night) then wrap some duct tape around it. You'll be good to go for a while as long as you did not loose all of the grease. Change the boot as soon as you can.

I would get it aligned soon as possible to save your tires from unnecessary ware. Besides you just got a sweet set up, you should have it dialed in.


Just throwing out an idea...
If anyone has replaced a boot, maybe we should have a CV Boot party. We can learn how, should a trail side repair be needed.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on June 19, 2009 at 10:26pm

Well the story is that I went down to DeMello to have the lift and everything installed. Then I went offroading in socal and I drove back home. Then I haven't used the car until today. I showed the lift to potatomutato and he noticed the excess grease.

It's hard to tell if it's been my of-road adventure or the install :( I checked all the pics of the install and I didn't notice any damage while at the shop.

At the end:
- can somebody help me with some grease and sealant for the time being?
- I'd love the idea of a "boot clinic". Besides, I do not have the tools to do that myself, so I'd love some company.

Thank you
Alessio

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Permalink Reply by Bz on June 19, 2009 at 11:36pm

get some hose clamps and you will be good

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Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on June 20, 2009 at 9:17am

dang, sorry I missed this post, I could have helped you out w/ some sealant/grease last night.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on June 20, 2009 at 4:27pm

What about today/tomorrow?

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on June 20, 2009 at 5:43pm

Here more detailed pics:

http://www.manoweb.com/alesan/temp/axle01.jpg
http://www.manoweb.com/alesan/temp/axle02.jpg

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Permalink Reply by Bozly on June 20, 2009 at 6:11pm

This looks more like a burn from a hot dingle berry, any welding done even near this boot while you were down there?

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on June 21, 2009 at 3:26pm

Well, no, they did not weld anything on my truck... but yeah, it seems something like that......

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Permalink Reply by PBn'FJ on June 21, 2009 at 7:24pm

To me, it looks like a rock was jammed up in between the boot and lower A arm at some point. The boot is scraped up and when I zoom in on the second picture, I think I see some damage to the metal band right next to the hole.

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Permalink Reply by C4B_ROCKs on June 21, 2009 at 8:19pm

I also zoom in on the second picture and from what it looks like it got scraped by something. I agree with PB. I say just replace the CV boot not the whole joints/shaft cause the only damage is the CV boot, change it ASAP so you won't damage the rest of just joints.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on June 21, 2009 at 6:23pm

May of just hit something and because of the lift a lot of positive grease presure (more than normal). I had a similar problem right after I got my lift (although with less grease spray, I may have caught it earlier then you). I just cleaned mine up and patch it up with silicone and it was good to go. I always peek under after every ride just to make sure it is still clean (at least from grease :-) ).

Yours looks like a pretty decent puncture though...I would play it safe and replace it.

I'd be up for a CV boot party, never had to do it but sure I will at some point in time!

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on June 21, 2009 at 11:55pm

OK guys. I'll have to replace the boot.

Who's gonna help me? :)

I like very much the idea of a CV boot party (how sick does that sound!)

I will search instructions how to do...

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