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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHGrease Spray Near Driver's Side Front Wheel (C4S)
Leading reported evidence
Replace lots of cv joint boots
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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1
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Not sure about the C4S, but I�ve replaced lots of cv joint boots on many German cars.
Leading evidence: 'Replace lots of cv joint boots' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check with the resident experts here at rennlist' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I do know he replaced the shaft with joints and boots as an assembly, as it was an outer joint.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I assume that this is a CV boot failure, but I thought I'd check with the resident experts here at Rennlist before I accept that as fact.
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Suggestion
You can replace the boot - but it requires removing the front axle.
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While underneath my car today checking it out after cleaning out the radiators (found a dead bird in there, BTW), I notice some grease spray around the driver's side front wheel. I assume that this is a CV boot failure, but I thought I'd check with the resident experts here at Rennlist before I accept that as fact. What's required to repair this? Special tools? I typically like to do my own work, but I may have an indy do it. Any idea what it will cost? Does the whole axel need to be replaced?
I attached a photo:
Thanks in advance!
Looks like a visible crack in the boot to me. Not sure about the C4S, but I�ve replaced lots of cv joint boots on many German cars. There are kits that include everything you need, including grease.
Assuming you have a typical set of enthusiast tools, the only unusual tool you�ll need is a set of oetiker clamp pliers (McMaster-Carr or Amazon). You�ll need snap ring pliers, allen sockets, and a large enough socket for the axle nut with a breaker bar, as well as a torque wrench for reassembly, but I�d expect those tools in the shop of a German car enthusiast.
As long as the joint isn�t contaminated or otherwise damaged, you should be able to remove the shaft, dissasemble the cv joint, clean it thoroughly, reassemble it, regrease it and reinstall. It is a very messy job, and you need to make sure the cage goes together in the right orientation so it can articulate freely.
You can get the boot kit itself for under $30.
Looks like a CV joint boot to me. I had one replaced when I got the car by my Indi. Don't remember cost, sorry. I do know he replaced the shaft with joints and boots as an assembly, as it was an outer joint. There will be someone here has done this job and will chime in.
Here is a link to the process...
I don't know about a C4/C4S, the Turbo with a very similar front suspension takes 340 ft/lb torque on the axle nut. You need to get very close to that or you will ruin the wheel bearing in short order (like by the end of your driveway). So be prepared with big tools for removal and reinstallation. I use a 3/4" drive T-bar handle and a six foot pipe, broke too many 1/2" breaker bars in the past.
You can replace the boot - but it requires removing the front axle. No special tools outside of what you can rent for free from Autozone + a big breaker bar or impact gun to get the center nut off. Jaw puller, ball joint separator, etc. I made a youtube video about getting it out. Once you do that, you need to disassemble the inside CV joint in order to get the new boot on the outside one. The kit (boot, bands, and grease) is pretty inexpensive from Pelican. Its just a dirty, hands on job. Happy to post more details if you decide to tackle it yourself.
The fact that you have front CV boots says C4. Do you need the FWD components? If not, now would be the ideal time to delete the drive shaft and front diff...
You don't *need* to take the axle off and separate the CV to replace the boot. There is this tool:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...taller/bs-125/
that expands the rubber boot over the CV. It actually works.... not on plastic CV boots of course.
That's a really good point. You do have to remove it from the wheel hub assembly, even when using that tool. At that point there are only 6 bolts holding it to the differential, so removing it all the way isn't much more work. That tool would save you having to disassemble the inner joint though - which would be nice.
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