Oil/grease covering outside of outer CV boots

[Multibeemer]

As the title says, I've noticed that both of my 03 4.4i's front outer CV boots are covered with what looks like oil, and there is a lot of grease accumulated at the bottom of the strut support:





The boots themselves look fine - neither one is torn, and the left one was replaced about 20,000 miles ago. The car has just under 96,000 miles on it. At first I thought my struts were leaking, but the stuff that's accumulated along the bottoms of the strut mounts looks way too heavy to have come from the strut, although I suppose it could be oil from the strut that's combined with dirt to form what looks like grease. Any ideas? Thanks.

[romeokc10]

No the boots are not fine, it is torn, spread the boot apart with a gloved hand and you will see it.

[Multibeemer]

Hmmm... OK, will do. I admit I only took a cursory look at the boots' condition on the side that's visible; I didn't really get up in there and see if they are split somewhere I can't readily see. In any event, I like your theory better than leaking struts - a whole lot cheaper to replace (assuming I do it myself, like everything else on my cars).

[romeokc10]

I replaced my left outer boot in July, then discovered my right outer was torn in October, replaced that to, gotta love it...lol!!