SPF CV Joint Leaking Grease

Bob In Ct · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 10:13 AM

Hey Guys:
Last week while cleaning the wheels on SPF642 I noticed a lot a grease had exited the right inner CV joint. Inspection of the boot did not find a break. It may be that the grease is escaping by going under the clamp. So what do I do? Do I get a new complete joint assembly greased and ready to go (cost?)? Do I have the unit repacked with grease and install a new boot? Where can I get a replacement piece? Did this piece change as SPF built more and more snakes? Input please.

Bob

RedBarchetta · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 10:27 AM

Bob, I had a similar occurrence on the driver's side inner. What was happening was when the axle traveled to its lowest point (rebound after hitting a bump), it would tap the frame. This didn't cause a tear, but it effectively loosened the steel strap just enough to eject grease all over that triangular section of the rear frame members.

I ended up doing a couple things. First I pulled the half-shaft and had it re-packed and a new band installed. I then modified the rear differential brace to essentially move the axles up into the triangular frame about 1/2" more. See my gallery for a pic of this. That slight movement added some additional clearance without upsetting the pinion/drive shaft angle.

As additional insurance, I took a thin smear of Black Ultra Permatex sealant and layed it between the boot and steel "can" (for lack of a better term) along the entire circumference. No more leaks.

-Dean #747

Blas · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 11:25 AM

Do you have the plastic style clamps or the metal band style clamps. Is it leaking on the larger or smaller side of the boot? Replacement metal bands cost about $3 each. The tool to put them on costs $20.00...

Tony Aprile · #4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 01:07 PM

Blas..whats the tool name and where do you buy it ??

Tony

bobcowan · #5 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 01:38 PM

I use standard hose clamps on mine. Easy to service, don't come loose. Not difficult to apply.

Blas · #6 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 03:59 PM

NAPA auto parts.
SS Boot clamps and install tool...
The tool rachets the band tight. You bend it over, tap the locking band, cut off the access....
I'll look for a part number tonight.

Bob In Ct · #7 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 06:56 PM

Hey Blas:
Sounds like what Tim at Dynamic told me. Metal bands.

Bob

Blas · #8 (**permalink**) 05-08-2007, 08:25 PM

NAPA part # 3191 - CV Wrench $21.99
NAPA part #3415 - small CV Strap - $1.99
2002 part #'s and pricing...
You will need to "work" the CV clamp to open it for installation, so you don't need to remove the axle's or anything....Note: VERY SHARP EDGES on the clamp...remove old clamp, clean underneath boot and axle surface with q-tips and solvent...burp extra air out of the boot...If I recall, there is a little grove that an edge of the boot locks into....you will see it when you clean it....install the new clamp, tighten, trim, enjoy....I removed the tire when I did mine.....wrecked a nice shirt if I recall correctly leaning up against the wheel hub....antisieze stains...but I digress....clean-up took longer than the repair.....
Let me know if you need any other guidance.....
Good Luck, The eyes of Club Cobra are watching you...
(no pressure)
Blas

Bob In Ct · #9 (**permalink**) 05-11-2007, 06:29 AM

I went to NAPA for the grease, the bands and the special tool. I contacted Olthoff for the Boots. NAPA did not have the bands but had everything else. The boots sent to me by Olthoff were not the correct boots and are on the way back.

I did pull the boot back to inspect the joint. There was still lot of grease on the bearings. I packed some more in and reclamped them with the 3191 wrench. If the weather is good this weekend I will take the Snake on a test drive.

Did a test drive Sunday morning, everything look good.

Bob