GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

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.

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.

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

Some times aftermarket is better!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Thanks John I'll look around

Aren't you both lowered?

Havent been lowerd now for over a year