Axle Boot oil leak

[blacklab]

I was putting on some new tires, and found there is oil coming from the outboard axle boot on the drivers side, it has been splashing on the inner fender. Do I have a problem? If so what?
This is a 99 sport 4wd.
Everything seems to be tight, but I'm old a deaf so a lot can happen before I hear it.

 

[koda2000]

there's no oil in the axle boot. just grease. if the boot is torn or the band-clamp is missing the grease will get spun out and once the CV joint is dry it will destroy itself. you can replace the boot, but considering the amount of labor involved i'd replace the CV axle.

if it is oil, then your axle seal is leaking and needs to be replaced. just slightly more work then replacing the CV axle.

 

[blacklab]

Thanks, I should have indicated it is pretty thick oil/grease.
Does one have to replace the axle shaft as a unit?

 

[koda2000]

Thanks, I should have indicated it is pretty thick oil/grease.
Does one have to replace the axle shaft as a unit?

that's the way they're usually sold. the parts to rebuild one are apparently available, but i don't know anywhere that sells a rebuild kit. i wouldn't mess with it anyway. a reman CV axle, with a lifetime warranty, will run you $59-$69. a replacement boot, CV grease and band clamps might run around $20, but it's more work than just replacing the axle and if your joint is already damaged, you'll need to replace it.

 

[blacklab]

I can't figure out how you replace the outer boot, without taking the inner cv joint apart and sliding the boot on from the inboard end.

 

[koda2000]

I can't figure out how you replace the outer boot, without taking the inner cv joint apart and sliding the boot on from the inboard end.

you can't. they sell a split boot for the sake of an easy repair, but i wouldn't use one.

 

[blacklab]

Thanks for all the help, I'm learning about these newer Explorers.
I've had lots of experience with Broncos and older Explorers, but this is the first newer one I've done much with.

 

[bill06447]

Sure it's from the boot? I had a stain I swore was from the axle that turned out to be a rusty brake line beginning to leak at the junction with the flexible hose...

Bill

 

[blacklab]

It was definitely the boot, it had a rear about an inch long.