Question says it all? We're replacing the boots which have cracks in them, but have not torn completely through yet. As such, no grease has leaked out. I'm positive the joints are fine, the boots just need replacing.

 

If they are pretty old, go ahead and clean as much of that old grease out as you can. If they are fairly new, and grease is clean, honestly I wouldnt mess with them.

In general you do not want to mix 2 different types of grease. For CV joints use some brand of MOLY grease. Use moly so it stays in place. Also, remember not to over-pack the boots.

After you are done I would check the new boots in a day or so. then again in a couple of weeks. Basically just keep an eye out to make sure your clamps dont loosen.

 

if the boot has torn even for a day it has dirt in it. putting a new boot on just keeps the dirt in the joint for you. CV joints use a special silicone grease thats made for them. Moog sells it with their CV boots and it is blue. (also impossible to wash off your hands!).
take the joint apart, clean it with brake parts aerosol cleaner, and then reassemble it with the grease "smurf crap" and it will last forever.
BOL

 

Actually, the boots have not torn completely through yet. No grease has leaked out. And I just picked up the boots a couple of hours ago at Hendrick Acura, which actually supplies OEM grease with their boots, as well as a couple of rings, lock nut, and metal tie.

 

if there is any kind of hole or tear in the boots there is dirt in the joint. putting a boot on at that stage will just seal the dirt in the joint and it will fail. clean it with brake parts cleaner and reassemble it.

 

Mugen or Redline.

 

Personally, I wouldn't go to all the trouble. You can get rebuilt axles, the whole thing, for $69.95 at Napa, already packed and reay to be installed. Repacking them isn't going to change the fact that they're worn from years of use.