can any one help me with this i have a 2 1/2 hour dive tomorrow and i'm woried the cv shaft might fall out
i can help you, but i don't know that you're going to be able to fix the problem by tomorrow. instead you may want to fill the front diff with fluid and work on it when you have about a day to do the job.
if it's gear oil and not grease:
you need to replace your front axle seals. i'd rate that job about a 5 the first time doing it. note: do not buy replacement axle seals from Autozone. their catalog gives the wrong part number for the right side seal.
here's what i did to change both my seals (not much point in just doing one):
1. remove the front axle nuts
2. remove both front wheels, brake calipers, rotors and backing plates
3. get both front spindles out of your way (disconnected the upper ball joints, lower bj's and outer tie rod ends are optional)
4. disconnect both front shocks (mine broke and had to be replaced)
5. pull out both front axles
6. pry out the old axle seals
7. install the new seals with a suitable tool (i used pieces of a ball joint press & a rod)
8. re-install everything and torque the axle nuts to spec (180-200 Ft pounds)
9. refill the front diff with 75W/145 synthetic hypoid gear oil.
the job took me about 6 hours to do with multiple trips to the parts store. cost in parts was around $20 for the seals and $15 for gear oil (plus two front shocks). this is also a good time to replace your ball joints if they need it, as most everything will already be apart.
if it's CV grease:
you can replace the axle or repack the CV joint with the appropriate grease, check the boot for tears (replace if necessary) and install a new new clamp. i'd probably just replace the axle.
