Fluid leaking onto right CV joint and boot

[1999montana]

Hi All,

The last couple of oil changes, I 've noticed that the right side CV assembly is wet, the outer part closer to the wheel and the boot area more specifically.

It doesn't look like motor oil, or automatic trans fluid, just wet dirty oil (road dirt mixed in of course). There isn't a lot of it either, but each time I wipe the whole thing down, the next time I change the oil it's wet again.

· Could the water pump be starting to leak?

I'm not noticing any coolant level change in the recovery tank though. It doesn't look like an axle seal as the leak appears to be coming from above. However, when I look up from underneath, I don't see anything that would indicate that the engine block is leaking oil.

· Could it be a front engine seal?

The rear one has been leaking for about 4+ years (50,000 Kms) now and hasn't gotten any worse. The oil level changes ever so slightly between changes. I've attributed this to a small amount being burned going between the valve guides and piston rings over 5,000 Kms.

I added Rislone concentrate at the last oil change thinking it might help clean and perhaps soften the seals a bit....seemed to help, but I still have this sweating on the right side CV.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Glen_T]

If you're saying the outboard boot is getting oily, I'd suspect a leaking CV joint.....if the grease is working it's way out, just a little bit might cause what you're seeing.

Maybe you should clean it off really good, then maybe drive it a few days and re-examine. That way you can see the progression of the leak - sort of catch it before it covers lot's of areas and make it easier to trace.....just an idea.

Good luck, Glen

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by Glen_T

...Maybe you should clean it off really good, then maybe drive it a few days and re-examine. That way you can see the progression of the leak - sort of catch it before it covers lot's of areas and make it easier to trace....Good luck, Glen

Not a bad idea. Next oil change, I'll clean it up real well with brake cleaner and wipe it clean...if the boot is starting to go, I should be able to notice once it's clean...