[Tifosi]

I seem to be spending a little to much time under my 308 recently, but while I was under there I thought I'd give the CV joints a little inspection, since I could tell that they seemed to be "slinging" some grease out. From under the car I could see the grease was coming out of some small holes in the rubber boots. The joints that are slinging grease are the inner/transmission end joints, the holes are at the shaft end of the boot, and are about 1/8" diameter and appear as if they are supposed to be there. Forgive my ignorance, as I know very little about transmissions and CV jonts, my question is, is there an inner seal that has failed causing the grease to now be expelled from these "weep" holes? I cannot imagine that this loss of grease is normal, is it? What can I expect as far as repair/replacement costs? Is this a DIY project? Again any information is appreciated - Thnaks is advance...

 

[Pete04222]

Sorry I didn't reply to your post earlier.
I do have experience with CV joints from other vehicles, not the Ferrari. The little hole you are refering to is to release excess air pressure so the whole boot doesn't blow out. There is no inner seal. The CV is a self contained unit so you don't have to worry that the transmission is in any danger. Normally I would not expect to see a whole lot of grease expelled from this hole because the CV joint grease is so thick. Your grease may have broken down and the CV's need cleaning and re-greasing. This is what I consider an "advanced" DIY project as it involves dissassabling the CV joint. If you are handy with tools you should be able to do the whole job on a Saturday and drive the car on Sunday. The only parts you should need would be the grease and new clamps for the CV boots (you have to cut the old ones off).

 

[Tifosi]

Thanks for the reply Pete, I'm assuming the best way to re-pack the grease in the CV joint, is to pull the entire half-shaft out, repack the joints anf reinstall...? Correct? Anyone have a procedure for removing the half shaft, spindle, etc... Thanks again...