40k with two bad axles

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:54 pm

Yup, was doing some work to the vibe over the weekend and found that both CV joints (rubber boots) on the front axles are leaking. I'm disappointed to say the least.... I'm going to do some creative work to the axles to prolong the work for the time being.Time to start shopping for axles. I've changed axles on a Matrix and (removed) it was a PITA. Not sure I want to tackle it again.

Salsa Guy · Post by **Salsa Guy** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:34 pm

That sucks! I guess you can't just replace the boots. But if your going in there to replace them you might as well change out the joints and etc.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:48 pm

I could just change the boots but I would rather have a factory seal. Then again the factory seal is what is leaking lol

Salsa Guy · Post by **Salsa Guy** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:59 pm

Some times aftermarket is better!

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:03 pm

Excellent! something to look forward to after I replace the rear differential output shaft seals.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:21 pm

The boots are not torn just leaking around where the boot meets the axle shaft. My plan is to clean it up and add a bead of silicone Or black rtv sealant around the end of the boot to help reduce the leaking till I can buy two new axles

bassplayaz06 · Post by **bassplayaz06** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:44 pm

it wasn't that hard to take them out on my vibe when i changed the clutch. just take the wheel hub's off and they pull right out.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:51 am

Odd cuz the xrs that I changed them on were spring clipped inside the trans. Had to pry them out. Also the awd axles are diff than the 2wd ones dont know what they will be like

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:56 am

Sounds like lots of fun. They are a PITA. HUGE PITA. Kinda weird that they are dead at 40k.

j42.snyder · Post by **j42.snyder** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:01 pm

Sounds to me like they just need new clamps at the inboard ends. Unless they've leaked a lot, chances are everything's still fine inside.I had a couple like that on a 1987 Buick. I think that was 10 years ago or so that I noticed it. My neighbor is still driving the car daily - never needed to change the axles.They sell specific clamps for those, and you could probably rent/borrow the tool, or buy it fairly cheaply. If the "leakage" is only very slight, and the boots still feel fairly well clamped to the axle, then it may not be worth worrying about. If you're not sure - I'd get a second opinion from someone you trust. I wouldn't write off an axle from a little grease seepage there...John

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:03 pm

Thanks John I'll look around

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 3:20 pm

Aren't you both lowered?

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 11:34 pm

Havent been lowerd now for over a year

40k with two bad axles

40k with two bad axles

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