Front Axles Throwing Grease

Just changed the engine oil in my '06 DC/Limited/TRD and noticed quite a bit of grease thrown onto frame/suspension from where the front axles go into the differential. Boots look plenty good but it is disconcerting that both are doing it. Truck has 45,000 miles and here's the thought: I just put on a 2" front leveling kit. I'm thinking the seals pulled out, whatever that means. Tried to upload pics but I'm having issues with Tech. Will try to figure that out.

Any ideas on the grease?

TIA.

 

Cut the old clamp off the CV boot and buy some large worm clamps to replace them.

Not an uncommon problem.

 

Did you put the diff drop on?

 

I'm not sure what that is and I had our local Les Schwab Tire Center install the lift. Didn't know that was a thing and they didn't mention it.

 

Diff drops don't really do much,not worth the effort. I would take off the band clamp clean the clamp area and install a new band clamp. I have seen worm clamps damage boots. I would also plan on replacing boots in the future. Adding a lift to old boots that have taken a set generally causes them to rip. It looks like your grease leak was caused by your lift putting some stress on your boots causing the clamp area to unseat.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/when-is-a-diff-drop-needed.11593/
It's supposed to help with the angle of the CV's after a lift. I installed one after I put on some Bilstein 5100's set at the top setting, very easy to install and no problems caused by it.

 

Just returned from the shop that installed them. Not much of an answer or solution. He said that it is common for Toyotas to do this and that my axles are possibly ruined. He did offer to cut off the factory steel clamps and put zip-ties on for an hour or so of shop time. He stated now that they are leaking, that the axles seals are ruined and they can't warranty anything. I told him I'd go to my regular mechanic for a second opinion. I also said that if this is a common issue, that I would have appreciated them telling me that before I had them do the work so I could weigh my options. If it's a cheap enough fix at my mechanic, I'll go ahead and get it done on my dime. If on the other hand my axles are indeed ruined, I'll be looking for some compensation from the original installer. I'm hoping it is as stated above; simply the boot seal popped and everything can be sorted easily and economically. Any more ideas on this issue?

 

If it were mine i would cut off those outer clamps, clean everything up real good, add more grease and reinstall the correct clamps (not worm clamps). This wouldn't take very long and would be pretty cheap to see if it solves the problem. Any shop that recommends using zip-ties for a repair should be avoided like the plague! Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

^^ I like this advice. If you let the current situation go on too long, you may indeed be looking at new CV axles.

While I hardly ever defend the Les Schwab type places (or dealers), I don't think this is something to go after the shop for. You asked them to install the spacer lift, you will have to deal with the consequences of voluntarily changing your suspension geometry. Yes it was stupid of them to suggest zip ties for gawd's sake - remember that for next time you need service. But lifting a truck will often have unintended consequences. Also, has nothing to do with Toyotas - any truck that gets lifted is subject to surprises like this.

 

I just purchased a 2002 AC for my son with 29K. It was all original and it looked the exact same way. So, it was not the lift that caused the boots to leak. It sounds to me that this is a common problem. I did replace the axles with new ones, but only because I was replacing many other parts, including a leveling lift.

 

How do you guys have such old trucks with such low miles?

 

Brought mine from an older gentleman that owned it since it was brand new.

 

My father passed it on to me when he passed. He bought it new as a retirement gift/tax bennie when he retired. Drove it sparingly for mostly hunting trips to eastern Oregon. Low miles and well maintained. That's why I was a bit surprised about the axle seal issue. Do you remember the cost of axle replacement?

 

I replaced both of my fronts for dry-rotted boots that were slinging grease. Have a 2" lift in the front so that may have hastened there demise. $89 a piece for replacement axles at Advanced auto. They've got much thicker axle shafts and the big boots on each end. They've held up well. Driver's side has 90k miles on it or so. I believe they have lifetime warranty as well. Replaced the drivers side without having to split the knuckle from the ball joint. Passenger side I had to unbolt and separate the upper ball joint to get the axle to go in.

 

I did the same, purchased CV Axles from Advance Auto for about $90 each. I also replaced the outer axle seals in the differential, with Toyota parts (Toyota part# 90311-47027 and 90311-47013 for mine), just because I had the axles out (approx $15 each, but don't have the exact price). I have not even driven on them yet, b/c it is not back together, so I cannot attest for how long they will last. No labor cost, because I did the work.

 

The clamps get weak. Oem ones do tend to last longer, aftermarket new or reman your lucky to get 5 months from them. You’ve lost minimal grease if they’re relatively new, get a hose clamp that fits and replace the clamp. It’s an issue that plauges any vehicle with cv boots.


Do not go to right on a hose clamp though, that can end up flinging grease too

 

We rebuild axles all the time. The notion that the axles are ruined is ridiculous unless they have been slinging grease for a while. If a significant amount of grease is lost from the joint wear and binding can eventually occur, but it seems like you just started noticing it. This has nothing to do with seals, it's just a loss of tension on the clamp. Toyota sells axle rebuild kits that will include the grease, the snap ring, inner and outer boots, and all clamps necessary. I'm sure there are aftermarket options also that may be cheaper.

 

Update: Ended up taking it to my local mechanic that did my timing belt earlier. Put new clamps on as the original ones were loose, probably due to the lift/stretch. He stated that not much grease was lost and we should be good. Piece of mind for me, having an expert diagnose and fix. C-Note of cost but worth it to me. Just turned over to 45k in miles. Should be good for a while.

 

Replacing the clamps is a must on these trucks once lifted, good job getting it done. Don't be surprised if a few months down the road you take a peek and see that the boots have split - also pretty common once lifted.

 

I recently noticed this on my truck too. I lifted it about 2 years ago so hopefully not too much damage has been done. I did just snap something in the front end last weekend but I don’t think it had anything to do with a lack of grease.

That is really nice that your truck has such low mileage.

 

Update: Passenger side doing great. Driver side starting to throw a little grease again. Will see if I can tighten it up a bit before going back to mechanic for another look-see.