Leaking Front axle Cv boot for road trip

Hey so I have a leaking boot on my passenger side and am planning to drive up to Tahoe tomorrow for some snowboarding about 175 miles up there and back after the weekend. The boot has cracked and leaked grease for just about a month now of daily driving to nearby work. I’ve already taken it up to Tahoe last weekend no problem 3 hours there and 3 back. Still No sounds or any vibrations at all coming from it. Wondering aswell since it will only be in 2WD the whole drive up if it should be fine this time aswell?

 

If it will be fine is a matter of perspective. You're wearing the CV knuckles every time you drive it like that right now. The issue probably won't leave you stranded but the CV joint will be toast pretty soon if it isn't already. If you plan to replace the cv axle then it's far less of an issue.

 

I fixed mine years ago with a new boot kit from toyota for not to much money, and some labor. Had never done before, but with my skills and tools and youtube, got thru it no problem. Your 175 mile trip probably won't do yours in but if your worried I might clean that grease off and find the crack and squirt some grease in there and maybe tape it up. I would get it fixed before you're stock one is shot, always here stock toyota axles are way superior to anything you can buy. good luck.

 

Oh gocha, yeah I’m going to be replacing the whole cv axle pairs after the trip. Was just curious if I should skip the trip this weekend and not drive until I replace it or not. Since it’s basically going to be RWD up the entire trip and back I’m not too concerned. But sometimes get a feeling maybe they’ll lock up and I’ll loose control not sure why that comes to mind. But thanks for the feedback!

 

Well it doesn't turn it 2 wheel drive but it will collect road crap there again so what if you are going to replace it.

 

It does turn while in 2WD, but there is no load on it.
As was said, squirt a bit of extra CV joint grease in there and do your trip. It should be OK as long as you don't get into any mud or high-dust conditions.

 

Dang! That looks like the grease is coagulating! LOL! Enjoy your trip and be safe. Hope you get it home and fixed without too much trouble or cost.

 

at this point you need an axle, not just a boot so drive it....

 

I've put nearly 20K on the truck with a cracked boot before. Twice actually. I was never shy about using 4wd either. You'll be fine. Good call on replacing them though. Only replace the one that's cracked. No need to replace one thats not showing signs of wear.