So my right CV axle came loose while replacing my lower control arm. We got it back in, but a bunch of grease came out. It was recommended here that I get a CV boot kit rather than what I thought would be just a regreasing. I got an OEM boot kit, but since I've never done this before, I was wondering if there was a guide on doing it. I see there's a 1A Auto video on replacing the entire axle, but I'm just replacing the boot.
If the only problem is that grease came out, I would just pump some more grease in there and be done. Pretty simple to do that. Doing a boot replacement is much more involved, which is why due to low skill or high hourly rates, combined with ultra cheap, low quality replacement axles, the more common solution is to do an axle replacement (the axle + both CV joints/boots, all new or rebuilt, replaced as a single assembly).
If you get stuck, reach out to me and I can walk you thru it. I have done a lot of these on Toyota axles and they are all the same. Corolla CV Axle Boot Replacement - Bob Is The Oil Guy CV Joint Grease Failure? - Bob Is The Oil Guy The first link is a video, the second and third are pictures from ones that I have done. iPhone ? Pro
How would I tell if my current boot/clamp etc are fine (other than checking for tears in the boot)? If I could verify that, I could just regrease. I borrowed a grease gun from a friend to use on the grease fitting on my new ball joint. I'm guessing that won't work here? I didn't notice a grease fitting when I tried looking around the CV boot. Also, in the transmission fluid drain video I saw, they mentioned replacing the transfer case gaskets. If I'm "draining" by removing the CV axle, would I still need those gaskets?
Here is another ref to reboot/grease CV axle inner and outers. CV Boot Repair As for the drain and fill on the transmission, there are many, many posts/threads here about that...and a lot of stupid "discussions" about whether it should be changed at all...but we're not going there today. Since it has leaked already though...here is everything you need from said SM...including the axle/case seals if needed.
Thanks! I just watched the video and saw that he didn't do anything with the transmission fluid. Looking at the repair manual though, I'm guessing we have to on the prius
A clue in this transaxle fluid change picture: The level of fluid will be roughly at the centre of the drive shaft (larger circle, just to the right), so a minor amount will drain out at most.
I decided to just do the drain, so I've ordered Toyota transmission fluid, a pump, and 2 gaskets. However, I ordered 4 quarts and now I see that it calls for 5 quarts. I probably shouldn't do a "partial drain" right? I can just run to the dealership and grab my 5th quart I guess
Not sure what car you have or where you saw 5 quarts, but my 2012 Prius v took 3.7 quarts. And just in case ... you need Toyota ATF-WS, not anything else. Have you figured out what happened with the CV grease, and what damage may have been done due to the intial problem? If the boots are in good shape, you really don't need to go through the boot replacement process, or the axle removal, etc. Sometimes less is more.
I was looking at NutzAboutBolts's transmission drain and refill video, and in the description he lists 5 quarts of transmission fluid. But you're right, it looks like I should only need a little under 4 quarts. I actually meant to do that today, but looks like I forgot . I'm planning to check on it tomorrow though. If I don't see any damage and therefore just need to apply grease, what would the process be to do that? Since I don't remember seeing a grease fitting, I'm assuming I can't use the grease gun I borrowed
The clamp will always require replacement. Replacing the inner cv boot is not that difficult. The trickiest part is removing the tripod from the shaft. Either use a brass punch or a 3-jaw puller with a socket as the spacer. You must use the special cv boot pliers to reinstall the new clamp though. iPhone ? Pro
