axle boots leaking

[Mikestang]

Just noticed this tonight, both sides are leaking about the same. When I wiped the grease off I could spin both of the leaking bands, but the bands on the small end of the outer boots are immobile - I think that's how they're all supposed to be.

Is fixing this as easy as buying a clamp tool to cinch the bands down, or does this mean the whole boot is on its way out?

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9342/dsc01990nx2.jpg http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5053/dsc01991se0.jpg

[bulldog]

They just seem to do that after a while, especially when lifted. You can try to clean the inside of the boot and the axle 3where it leaks and then fit a proper metal clamp again. The OEM clamp, which will require a special Toyota tool to tighten, might resolve your issue.

I tired with cable ties which failed and had mine fixed under warranty. Those leaks aren't serious, but it is good to take care fo them at soem point.

If all else fails you will have to pull the CV to fix the leak. But for that effort you might as well repalce the diff seals, and repalce the boots and grease while you are at it = big job.

[sibanez]

Mine did the same, was a pretty easy fix. Go to NAPA or find a tool truck and tell them what you need . . . there are kits that allow you to reseal your CV with a nice little band tool that tightens it up. The stock band from Toyota requires you to pull the CV and boot, but you don't have to go that way. Here's a link to what I used:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=10750&group_ID=1333&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[Mikestang]

Sweet, thanks.

[Crozhawk]

shoot!! ...mine are doing the same thing

[bulldog]

Mine did the same, was a pretty easy fix. Go to NAPA or find a tool truck and tell them what you need . . . there are kits that allow you to reseal your CV with a nice little band tool that tightens it up. The stock band from Toyota requires you to pull the CV and boot, but you don't have to go that way. Here's a link to what I used:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=10750&group_ID=1333&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Did you wipe the grease of the shaft first or did you just put a band on and tighten it up? On previous vehicles I found that if you don't clean of the grease as much as possible, the leak can sart again a little while down the road.

[bulldog]

Forgot to ask if there are any updates this weekend.

[Mikestang]

I replaced both bands yesterday, they held up just fine over the weekend. :)

[bulldog]

I replaced both bands yesterday, they held up just fine over the weekend. :)

Let us know how they hold up over time.

Which bands and tools did you use? I think it might be a common problem for lifted folks down the line, so good details will be great :D

[Crozhawk]

Let us know how they hold up over time.

Which bands and tools did you use? I think it might be a common problem for lifted folks down the line, so good details will be great :D

x2:poke: ;)

[Mikestang]

No details, sorry. :(

I got an alignment yesterday and just asked the guys at the shop to replace them. They look like a pretty standard band clamp that crimps at the top.

[Photog]

I got an alignment yesterday and just asked the guys at the shop to replace them. They look like a pretty standard band clamp that crimps at the top.

Mike,
Was the alignment done at a Toyota shop, or a non-dealer shop. Were the clamps you used Toyota parts, or are they not so specialized?

Have they stayed sealed since last November?

[sibanez]

Almost any shop that does alignments can do this . . . I know NTB and Discount both will if you ask. The tricky party is getting CV grease back into the boot . . . lets just say Cajun Injectors are great tools.

I do suggest cleaning it (I used mineral spirits) because dirt tends to build up quickly over the dried grease.

[toyota alec]

Reseal kit sounds like a good idea.

[toyota alec]

shoot!! ...mine are doing the same thing

Use Ductape!:rotflmao:

[FJCcrawler]

Haven't had on our truck yet, but the reseal kit should do the trick.:iagree

[strap22]

I had the same issues on my 04. They are covered under the powertrain warranty.

[Dealmaker]

:pissed1: Wish I read this thread yesterday!! My truck is at the dealers now w/leaky boots, one was bad but the other unnoticable by me. Cost to fix is crazy, like $1k!! Looks like I'm going to be on the phone with Toyota of N.A. tomorrow looking for them to warranty this. Pretty sure the local stealer won't be siding with me :pissed1:

Can you guys that had it fixed under warranty PM me with some details, like when it was repaired, what dealer, etc?

[medic83]

I really doubt that they will warranty it if u have got Coilovers in there. Some of those guys act like they are paying for the parts, its rediculous. They need to just fix the damn things and not act like ur taking food out of there kids mouths. Some idiot wanted to tell me that my suspension has been altered and the frame has been cut...I said wow, ur a genious!!! What the hell does that have to do with my moonroof shaking like hell..... I grabbed my keys from him and left. Wont be going back to Walnut Creek Toyota.

[Teampez]

I put a hose clamp on mine, been fine for months

[Dealmaker]

Unfortunately for me, you may be right about the coilovers. But isn't it about the same w/the Trail Edition FJC? Fact is, mine just hasn't seen much offroad in its 51k miles. I'm just disappointed in the fact that when I asked the Service Tech if there were other options, he said "no", when in fact it prolly could've been re-banded/re-sealed for far less $$ as the boots were most likely not torn, based on info in this thread. Also, my truck is no different now than it was 2 yrs ago when I bought the Platinum warranty right before my mfg warranty expired. I've driven Toys for 25 yrs., and financed most of 'em thru TFS as well...sheesh....there I go getting heated up again :pissed1:...I'm just going to go in there , be totally honest and nice with them,r eferencing my 25 yr. marriage to Toyota in every sentance, and work my way up the hierarchy. If I get results, great, and if I don't well then live and learn, I guess.


I really doubt that they will warranty it if u have got Coilovers in there. Some of those guys act like they are paying for the parts, its rediculous. They need to just fix the damn things and not act like ur taking food out of there kids mouths. Some idiot wanted to tell me that my suspension has been altered and the frame has been cut...I said wow, ur a genious!!! What the hell does that have to do with my moonroof shaking like hell..... I grabbed my keys from him and left. Wont be going back to Walnut Creek Toyota.

[java230]

I put a hose clamp on mine, been fine for months

no vibration with the hose clamp? mine are leaking a little and i havent done anything yet, but i have a couple hose clamps handy....

[Dealmaker]

So I met with the tech this AM and had a good look at everything while up on the lift. Both inside boots leaking alot more than I previously thought. As mentioned in Post #3, the use of Genuine Toyota equipment bands requires complete removal. :mecry:

Dealer and warranty person were unwaivering in telling me its not covered under my Platinum warranty due to lift. I pushed the issue and was then told if the lift was installed by a Toyota dealer (how few do they install?), it would be covered, but since it was installed by a non-dealer (DeMello, who's probably done a hundred of 'em) it's not covered. :confused:.

So as previously mentioned in this thread, the best solution to get some extra mileage out of the boots if they're still in decent shape, is to go the non-Toyota route and do a re-band kit.