Thread: Leaking CV shafts and rack and pinion

I need an opinion on some leaks.

Both CV shafts are leaking grease out of the trans side clamps, forming a perfect line/pile of sprayed grease on everything around them. Have been leaking for over a year now. No tears in the boots at all. Should I just run em until they start to make noise and replace them? Or is it worth greasing them and putting a new clamp on? How long you think I can ride them before they start taking a crap? Or should I be proactive here?

The rack and pinion is leaking slightly on both sides. Not enough where you can tell with the boots on. But last week I did tie rods, inner and outer. When I took the boots off there was a small amount of PS fluid in both boots at the bottom. I went ahead slapped the new inners on (because I bought them part of a kit two years back, and used all the other parts, so it's not like I can return them). I also bought cheap boots from the parts store at like $4 a piece. Not really out much if I end up swapping the rack. I use the generic AutoZone ps fluid, so I just grabbed a smaller bottle of the same with the stop leak and tossed it in. I'll keep an eye on the level, but with the leak being so slow should I even worry about it yet? Figured I would just drive it until the rack starts being a ***** to turn or leaks so bad I'm constantly refilling.

All parts here are factory parts on an 01 with 75k miles.

New cv boots and grease just takes time, it's up to you if you want to go that route. Get new grease in them now before they do take a crap and start making noise.

Most opt for new axles because it's a simple job to replace them.

Well I was thinking more just cutting the inside clamp off where its leaking, pulling the boot back, stuffing some grease in the old boots, and tossing a new clamp on it versus doing the whole boot. The boots are still in solid condition. I think the clamps are just loose or the grease is just so old it's watery.

Any thoughts on the the rack?

Bump. Any thoughts? I'm about to do this job next week.

Cost to replace both axles is $120, plus more time and alignment. Cost of grease and new clamps is $15 tops. I don't even have to take the axles off the car to put the clamps on with the aftermarkets I'm getting. I can borrow the clamp tool from a buddy. Boots are pliable and in solid condition.

Also going to pull the boots back on the steering rack and have a look to see if they are wet again. It was a super minimal amount the first time. It is a 19 year old rack with 75k miles. Hoping the stop leak worked it's magic. Wish me luck!

Finally going to swap out the two PS hoses because they are dirt cheap and I know they are prone to leak with age. Ask me how I know?! I had a Grand Am with the same drive train where the pressure hose spontaneously burst and cost me a pump.