Need to go to the service? Axle boot "sweats"

[Qashqai]

Yesterday I was installing the all season tires and when I was checking the axle boots for leakage, I found some grease marks where the small end of the boot clamps over the shaft.

It is the same amount of grease on both passenger and driver sides

Here is a picture I found on-line. Mine is similar (the boot itself is in perfect condition and the oil "leaked" is not fresh. It is all covered with dust):



Last Summer, it was like that on the passenger side only and folks in this forum thought it is the oil that dripped during the oil change (oil filter is just above that area). However, that "sweating" is on both sides now.

I know the boot should have grease in it to protect the join inside, but do you think I need to worry? should I go to the service? probably they will want to change the whole assembly...Is it normal to have little leakage? should I need a better clamp???

[ImStricken06]

is your cvt axle brand new? NO. but is it "in need of repair?" NO. i will go and say this: "this is normal".

everything ages. that clamp has lost some of its grip, and that boot has lost some of its rigidity. so naturally a tiny... and i mean TINY bit of grease will seep out.

i wouldnt even give this a second thought. just check it every few months, like you normally would check even brand new axles = and enjoy your car.

PS: i hope all is well my friend!

[Qashqai]

Now I feel better!...Thank you my friend. I had a strong feeling that this amount of grease sweat is normal, but I can't afford new boots/axle/joints etc. right now.

[TrevorK]

I would personally do what you are doing - just take pictures of it and compare to see if it's growing. I hesitate to clean it because, as bad as this sounds, something gunk/grease/dirt can create it's own seal - if you clean it off you might have more leak out just because you cleaned it off and reopened the tiny hole/exposed area.

[ImStricken06]

I would personally do what you are doing - just take pictures of it and compare to see if it's growing. I hesitate to clean it because, as bad as this sounds, something gunk/grease/dirt can create it's own seal - if you clean it off you might have more leak out just because you cleaned it off and reopened the tiny hole/exposed area.

radiators are like that. so many people do a drain, and end up removing the clog thats clogging a crack/leak lol

[kots1]

I had the same problem and used Shoe GOO® Adhesive. So far no leaks and it created a strong clear laminated shell around the seam. It's strong and flexible to withstand dirt and weather elements. This is what they used for gluing shoes so it's designed to flex without cracking.