Re-greasing CV joints through split gaiter

[Hell Razor5543]

I have had a gaiter develop a very small split (less than 1cm in length), through which some grease has escaped. Although I do intend to replace the gaiter, I still need to use Gracie until such time permits. I did not want to widen the split any further, but I needed to get some grease back in there (before sealing said split). I then remembered something, and checked with various chemists. Boots sold me a couple of little plastic syringes (of the type used to orally administer medicine to babies), for 60 pence each. I removed the plunger of one, packed it with CV grease (leaving enough space to put the plunger back in), and it worked a treat. I don't know how much grease got out, but I popped in about 15ml, and the split didn't extend. I have now super-glued said split (after giving it a damn good clean). I was going to try a cycle tube patch, but I am not sure it would work, based on where the split is.

You have to fill the syringe from the plunger end, as the grease is too thick to be drawn into the syringe normally without air getting past the plunger instead. I tried it once, and got a miniscule amount of grease in (and a farting noise as the air came in past said plunger).

[Sloppysod]

I get my syringes from a countryside supply shop, who sell syringes they use for horses, these easily take a small plastic hose (screen washer hose).
Another tip, warm the grease up before putting it in the syringe, that way it makes it easier to squeeze out and flow around the part you are putting it on. I place it in a bowl of boiling water for until it is very soft (thick oils get the same treatment too, especially diff oil).

[white exec]

From a bit of scrap plumbing, I made up something that would screw on to the end of my grease gun, ending in a short length of 6mm tube, the end of which was almost completely flattened out in a vice. This flat tube could be inserted into a gaiter split, or under a good joint gaiter (clip removed) to replenish the grease. A smaller bit of tube (3mm-ish) could have been used instead.

Any pharmacy or vet will be able to do you a plastic syringe.

[Stickyfinger]

Football inflation "Tips"

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, it looks like this thread has risen from the dead!

[Sloppysod]

Football inflation "Tips"

Thats a good one, never thought of that.

Well, it looks like this thread has risen from the dead!

yep!!

[myglaren]

Well, it looks like this thread has risen from the dead!

It's the FCF environmentally protective recycling system

[CitroJim]

I've done a temporary repair to a CV boot gaiter using a bicycle puncture repair patch...

[wurlycorner]

I've done a temporary repair to a CV boot gaiter using a bicycle puncture repair patch...

Likewise on one of my preludes - over a cut. For I think possibly 4 MOT's now?
Had to replace the patch twice because it had worn thin, but still quicker/easier than changing the boot!

[CitroJim]

I've also very successfully repaired a cruise control bellows using a bicycle patch too...

One thing I have found is that bicycle patches are not compatible with LHM and soon melt into a sticky mess!