This has been some kind of year owning Grand Prix's.
I have had 2 of my GP's leak grease from the clamp on the inner boot.
On one, the inner boot on the driver's side axle started leaking 2 years, and I left it go. I don't drive the car much, maybe 500 miles a year. It definitely was oozing from the large diameter clamp, grease was all over the engine, and very little in the wheel well area. I couldn't believe how much axle grease I ended up cleaning up. I replaced with a known good used axle. No issues with the replacement yet.
Then recently, on my 40th Anniv. GT, I noticed grease from the axle being slung around the wheel well, subframe, engine pulleys and belt on the passenger side, I can see it was coming from the large clamp on the inner boot. A small amount of grease was on the axle itself. The clamp seems to be intact, not loose at all. Judging from the amount of grease, I don't believe the boot is depleted of grease. No noise coming from the axle as I drive. It is hard to tell if the boot contains any more grease.
So, rather that replace this entire axle, I thought I would try using JB Weld QuickWeld steel epoxy on the clamp and boot, as well as the other clamps. I used wax and grease remover on rags to thoroughly remove all old grease and dirt. Then I applied the QuickWeld epoxy, as it is cheap, and I have had good results from using this in other auto and household applications. I ran a generous amount around the boot clamp that was leaking grease, and I also applied it to the other clamps. I let dry in 50° temp in garage overnight.
Well, it's only been 3 days, and 200 miles, but I don't see the JB Quickweld epoxy deteriorating around the boot clamps. I also don't see any grease leaking. Obviously, the CV axles are punished brutally in every moment of driving, and that JB Weld is subjected to dirt, water, salt, heat, cold, rocks, etc
I guess I will continue to watch, and give updates. This whole business makes me wonder why there is just a clamp holding the boots in place, and these can start to leak at anytime. 2 Grand Prix's in a year for me.
Anyone else ever try this, or heard of this being done? Is there a reason this should not be done?
BTW, this GP has 282,000 miles. The axles have never been replaced. I figure, what the hell. Give it a try. People use duct tape to fix everything in sight. I like to use JB Weld.
