How to Apply CV Joint Grease: Detailed Procedure
Constant Velocity (CV) axle is an essential connector of a vehicle. For this reason, it is crucial to apply CV joint grease at regular intervals for its smooth functioning. Keep reading to learn the procedure of applying grease to the CV axle.
Importance of Greasing the CV Axle
The work of CV joints is to hold the drive shaft in the right place. They also export power from the transmission to the wheels. The axle makes sure that the car wheels turn when the gas pedal gets pressure.
If the CV joint malfunctions, it will affect the car maneuvering. Therefore, the greasing is necessary as it prevents premature wear by water or other contaminants. It is also necessary to grease a CV joint during its rebuilding processes, like replacing a CV joint or replacing an axle stub.
What kind of grease for CV joints is the most suitable? The most suitable type of grease for CV joints is lithium grease. It is a heavy-duty, premium quality grease that contains molybdenum disulfide and graphite. All these ingredients protect the axle during various conditions, such as heavy sliding, shock, or impact loading.
Applying CV Joint Grease: Detailed Procedure
There are different ways to grease a CV axle, depending on the boot situation.
Greasing Method for Shrunken Boot
Such situations will require you to get a CV boot clamp and two packets of CV joint grease. You can buy individual or universal CV boot clamps. In place of clamps, stainless-steel zip ties will also work.
Open the boot by unbolting the cover or removing the big clamp. Then, get rid of the old lubricant by scooping or draining. In the case of a dry joint, move it to clean and apply new grease on it.
Finally, clamp the boot. For a wet axle, apply one pack of lubricant before installing a new clamp.
Greasing Method for Torn Boot
For performing this task, you need to have a CV boot kit. There are several kinds of kits available in the market. Some of these contain enough components for both inner and outer boot.
After opening the boot, disassemble and clean the axle. For cleaning, the car part washer is the best. However, using some degreaser and a brush will work as its alternative to remove all grease residue.
After that, rinse and air dry the components before reassembling. Before the big clamp installation, apply grease and distribute it evenly by hands.
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Things to Remember about Greasing CV Axle
When it comes to applying CV axle grease, timing is a critical point to consider. Perform joint greasing regularly as recommended by the car manufacturer.
If there is a long gap between greasing sessions, contamination and lack of lubrication will wear off the axle. Then, you will need to rebuild or replace the axle.
If there is lubricant on the wheel well, shock absorber, and brakes, but not on the axle, apply grease immediately to avoid complex repairs.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to consult a mechanic for every single issue in your car, you need to learn a thing or two, and applying CV joint grease is one of them. you can easily do it by following the procedures mentioned above.