CV boot leak?
 

I noticed this as I was under my car yesterday. This is the left/drivers side of the tranny. What could cause this? Ideas on how to fix it?


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9GBImNFI4t8/Sm.../CV%20axle.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9GBImNFI4t8/Sm...CV%20axle2.jpg

def cv boot leak, I had it. Dealer fixed it for me for free though.

use the spray pattern to trace point of origin. in between the spray pattern shooting in different directions there is a middle point, use that to guide u str8 down towards the point of origin.

Thanks guys. So if I find out where it is coming from, how do I repair it? I've read that replacing the boot is kind of a pain, and it's often quicker/cheaper to replace the half-axle?

once the boot on a cv joint cracks and loses the grease inside it is basically like your fucken knee losing all it cartilage/joint fluid..... KNEE REPLACEMENT TIME!!!!

u can guess how that relates to your axle

Probably should go ahead and replace the axle...as mentioned, once the book goes its only a matter of time until you should replace the whole thing.

It's probably a fruitless effort to try to get it done through warranty, but I'm gonna try anyway. If that doesn't pan out, does anyone know anything about shopping for axles? Are there better/cheaper alternatives to the OEM axles?

If thats all the grease that has leaked so far replace the boot. Thats nothing. I had a much worse leak and it sprayed grease all over. I still replaced the boots(inner/outer). The bearings and the insides of races were fine. It depends which side it is as to if it is a pain to replace. The driver side is cake.

I would guess there is about 2-3 times that amount of total grease spilled. Would you still recommend replacing just the boot? Can you give me any insight on how I'd replace just the boot? I understand there are 2-piece boots, but from what I've read, people discourage using them because they are prone to leaking if they aren't sealed properly.

Another option is to find the small hole/rip and put a bunch of black rtv silicone on it temporarily as well. Like others said replace it but if you only lost a small amount of grease just patch it up in the mean time. Worked on my nissan when i had it with no problems.

That's a good idea...especially since I actually have that. Do you think that the silicone could be a permanent fix for it? The hole is really small. Maybe a 1/8" slit?

if not heavily modded i'd try the dealer first. don't have much to loose.

Yeah i had somehow put a hole in the boot on my nissan when doing a strut and spring install. Which you cant replace the boots for them i guess. I just glued it shut ESP since i didnt lose very much grease. I applied it on there and never had a problem with it after. Obviously you should check it every here and there to make sure you got it all.

Go for it. However as noted. If you arent modified then go to the dealer!

try the dealer, i was lowered and they replaced this for me free of charge.

Warranty only covers up to 12000 miles, I called and they wanted $750.
I got a boot kit for like $20 and me and 2 other friends replaced the boot.
It is a pain in the a$$ but a lot better than getting leaned over a screwed by the dealer.

Mike8748 where did you get a boot kit for 20 buck ? I paid 80 for both boots and bands and the grease. These were for OEM parts.

i lost all the grease in the joint. I would still replace the boots if it were my car and 3 times that amount leaked out. I have the service book it says to replace boots. I greas sprayed all over the rim and suspension. It took longer to clean the grease up. Yuk !

I just did a google search and found it.
It came w/ the boot, straps, grease and new c-clamp.
I looked forever for a Mazdaspeed3 boot kit but a friend said a regular 3 boot kit should work.
I found one and ordered it.
Theres a guy on eBay that specializes in selling nothing but boot kits too and he has one for Mazda3.

$80 sounds a little high just for a boot kit?
I only replaced 1 boot (inner)

Thanks for the info. The book shows the axles being different for the 3. The MS3 has larger axles. If the boots are the same size and cheaper that's good news.Thanks.

Cool. I called the dealer this morning, and they seemed to think it was not an issue to replace it under warranty. I have basic bolt-ons (TMIC, TBE, BOV, CAI, ASBs). I am at 42k miles. I dropped it off this morning. Replacement boot should come in tomorrow.

Be sure to post your mod friendly dealer for others in the appropriate thread. What deal is this? I wish you were near me... lol

Good for you though.

how difficult was the install? did you have to take the axle apart?

Not sure where the appropriate thread is, but Rosenthal Mazda in Arlington, VA. They did fix everything for me.