CV Boot Clamp Failure

Hi. Second question for the day.
I just noticed that my passenger CV boot clamp (the small one) failed and the boot sprayed a decent amount of grease all over. It surely wasn't all the grease. probably 4 oz of it or so. I have no idea how long its been like this. The boot is still in fine condition. Does it automatically mean the axle is shot?
If there are noises or behaviors to look for indicating it is, what would they be?

Thanks again

Noah

 

No, I drove with them like that for over a year on my 4Runner, eventually they started clacking and then I replaced them.

 

It's probably fine as long as you didn't go off roading and though any deep puddles like that. Just clean it up and put a new clamp on it, call it a day.

 

No puddles or dirt. Hell. Hardly even any rain. Thanks.

 

Usually the boot is swollen and a new clamp will just be a bandaid.


Ideally you’d replace the boot and grease.

but the cost of reman axles is so cheap that most just toss a new axle in.

 

Toyota axles suck. They suck so bad that I would almost go as far as calling them a general service item that should be either fully serviced (re- booted) or replaced every xx,xxx miles and you're good to go again.

 

agreed.. unfortunately. Get stronger axles and then the next weakest link is your front diff

 

What I do is clean it real good with brake clean (assuming the boot doesn't have any tears or isn't swollen/cracked), and then apply a thin layer of RTV on the axle shaft where the boot sits. This seems to help keep the boot seated in combination with the clamp.

 

If (when) it shits the bed I’ll investigate (a) new one(s). It’ll roll fine for now.