Anyone, I recently put my Winter Wheels/Tires on and noticed an extreme amount of black grease on the inner side of the left front wheel. Very thick! This summer I had the left side half shaft replaced under warranty. Could this
be a seal that broke or could the tech have just packed it with too much grease and this is natural chucking because of overfill? I removed the LF wheel this week and noticed that there is a small amount of grease on the new wheel but just not the HEAVY amount on the summer wheel. I am now out of warranty and am wondering if this could be a problem with the inexperience of the tech and might be covered again?

 

It's unlikely that joint was overpacked. If so, that in itself could destroy the seal. Either way, if the previous repair to that joint was recent, it may still be covered under warranty. Either it is a "chronic" problem that was initially identified while still under warranty or the installation was imoroper and the dealer is responsible. Take it in soon, as the reduced leakage could just be indicating that the grease is now mostly gone. This could couse a joint failure which is far more serious than just a bad seal.

 

If you carefully inspect the outer CV boot when the wheels are turned full lock, you will probably find a tear. The halfshafts come already packed and assembled, so it could have torn from improper installation or from running over something, but it should be fixed sooner rather than later because dirt will get inside.

 

Half Shaft (RMFD Output) replaced under warranty, again.