Grease around CV Boot

[bob3rt]

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice about a recent repair I had done on my 1999 Explorer V8 with AWD. My front differential recently blew up and I brought it to a mechanic to have it replaced with a new/used differential. While it was there, I also had them replace the front passenger side wheel bearing. I was under the car today and noticed that there was a lot of grease around the area of the CV boot on the passenger side. There doesn't seem to be any major tears in the boot, but I'm not sure if there is a smaller one I can't find. I was wondering if at any point in the differential and wheel bearing replacement, the mechanic would have needed to use grease in that area or if there is another problem that I am unaware of.

Thanks

 

[koda2000]

The new wheel bearings are sealed, so they shouldn't be leaking any grease. It's more likely you may have a torn CV boot. The CV joints are filled with grease and if you get a rip in one the grease leaks out and dirt and water get in. Then you need to replace the CV axle. I'd take it back to the person that changed the front diff and see what he says.

 

[imp]

@bob3rt
Grease will find it's way out through a pin-hole size opening. If it were me, I'd wipe the boot nice and clean, and drive the vehicle a few days. If grease does not reappear, the mechanic likely smeared it around while working. imp

 

[bob3rt]

@bob3rt
Grease will find it's way out through a pin-hole size opening. If it were me, I'd wipe the boot nice and clean, and drive the vehicle a few days. If grease does not reappear, the mechanic likely smeared it around while working. imp

Yeah, this is what I was originally thinking but I wanted to get an idea of why it would be concentrated near the cv joint. I just wiped it and checked again and couldn't find any tears. I also took a picture as best I could and added it to the first post.

I was also thinking maybe I am just mistaken and it is actually the differential oil from when that blew up. It's a tan/brown color.