I think it makes more sense to remove the small boot end clamp, then use
your needle to go between the boot and the axle.  You can then "massage" the
grease from the boot into the CV, and then re-equalize the pressure in the
boot before putting on a new clamp or zip-tie.  No holes, no fuss, no
muss....
bmc  :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."

> From: Malcolm Stebbins <MSTEBBIN@MSVU1.MSVU.CA>
> Organization: Mount Saint Vincent University
> Reply-To: Malcolm Stebbins <MSTEBBIN@MSVU1.MSVU.CA>
> Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 09:35:16 -0400
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: greasing CV joints - Grease needle experience
>
> I did the grease needle thing on my van a year ago and
> then took the van to Egypt for a year.  Upon returning to
> Halifax, my trusted mechanic poked around in one of the
> CV joints and found packed SAND all over the place.  He
> pulled the other 3 CV boots and same thing, SAND
> packed in the grease.  All of this from a tiny needle hole
> (but used in punishing conditions - desert sand).
>
> When I/we first did the grease needle thing, we/I did NOT
> try and seal the holes with any sealant.  I doubt that I do
> the grease needle thing again except for an "emergency"
> to get back home then do it properly.  m2cw,  Malcolm
>
> On 25 Nov 2001, at 18:45, Claudio Cella wrote:
>
>> I have a "srynge" type tool that fits at the end of a
>> grease gun that would enable me to puncture the boot and
>> get fresh grease in there.  I would make one puncture
>> close the the bearing races and pump in several
>> ounces(?),  then would work the grease into the
>> neighbouring races by squeezing the rubber boot.  Once
>> completed i would seal the hole (approx. the size of a
>> large sewing needle) with a dab of silicone seal. As far
>> as i can remember the inner CV's have never been opened,
>> the two outer's have had boots replaced and repacked a
>> long time ago.  What are your thoughts?  Has anybody
>> tried this before?      Thank you for your thoughts.
>> Claudio Cella
>