Drop in MPG's

[MSHardeman]

Did you have to remove the front rotors from the spindle to get the boots replaced? If so, did you set the pre-load correctly when you tightened the axle nuts down? Could be too tight causing drag.

[tom4bren]

Crager,

Didn't you move at about the same time as the boot replacement? I'm only asking because the fuel "winter mix" is state regulated, not Federal. You may be experiencing a worse mix than you've been used to in the past (more ethenol).

I'm assuming that you followed the boot install instructions posted here so you didn't pull the shafts out of the axle tubes. True?

What kind of boots did you install?

When I put on MechaTechs, it seemed to me that they only provided about half the amount of grease that you should be putting in (IMHO). The good news is that you don't need to tear it all the way down again if that's the problem. Just cut the large band off of each boot and pull it back to schlep some high quality synthetic grease in there & then replace the band. Careful cutting the band tho ... don't damage the boot.

[crager34]

Did you have to remove the front rotors from the spindle to get the boots replaced? If so, did you set the pre-load correctly when you tightened the axle nuts down? Could be too tight causing drag.

Did not remove the rotors.

Crager,

Didn't you move at about the same time as the boot replacement? I'm only asking because the fuel "winter mix" is state regulated, not Federal. You may be experiencing a worse mix than you've been used to in the past (more ethenol).

I more or less moved back from Aiken, SC to Cincinnati and worked the CV boots shortly after.

The gas makes the most sense to me, because I KNOW I did a good job on the CV boot change out. I did notice the lack of grease the new boots came with, so I bought some extra and really gooped it up before putitng it all together. Going to look at DIY Carbon/Fuel System cleaners then look at getting it professionally done and see if there is really a difference except for price.

I hate this, becasue it's got in my head that if the VX starts to go bad, then I need to look at another car and it probably won't be another VX. Those thoughts make me feel dirty.

[tom4bren]

I hate this, becasue it's got in my head that if the VX starts to go bad, then I need to look at another car and it probably won't be another VX. Those thoughts make me feel dirty.

They have meds now for lunitic thoughts such as those.

[Ldub]

Did not remove the rotors.



I more or less moved back from Aiken, SC to Cincinnati and worked the CV boots shortly after.

The gas makes the most sense to me, because I KNOW I did a good job on the CV boot change out.
I hate this, becasue it's got in my head that if the VX starts to go bad, then I need to look at another car and it probably won't be another VX. Those thoughts make me feel dirty.

FWIW...

I usually get less than 10 mpg during typical winter driving around town.

Granted, even though I'm typically driving on ice glazed mondo tundra, I still have an incurable lead foot...

What can I say...I love to feel like Ken Block when sideways is an option on any given corner. I also love being able to kick MAJOR ash from one light to the next, on whatever vehicle chooses to become the next victim...

That being said, on last weekends road trip with Hunny Girl, we averaged nearly 14 mpg on winter blend fuel, & most here know that I've committed every mileage "sin" there is to commit...

I'm expecting the usual 13-15 mpg on the road to Moab in May...with tool/tire trailer in tow.

[nfpgasmask]

Did you have to remove the front rotors from the spindle to get the boots replaced? If so, did you set the pre-load correctly when you tightened the axle nuts down? Could be too tight causing drag.

That was my initial thought too, Mark. If you over tighten those hub nuts, you will be adding to the amount of force needed to turn things up front, thus, hurting MPG.

Bart

[crager34]

Well? A $10 can of Sea Foam with about 10 gallons of gas in the tank and I am back up to 150 miles at 1/2 tank. Meaning, when I put the Sea Foam in the tank I was just at 1/2 tank with 100 miles on the OD.



I hope that did the trick and thanks for the quick replies and helpful information.

[Mile High VX]

Well? A $10 can of Sea Foam with about 10 gallons of gas in the tank and I am back up to 150 miles at 1/2 tank. Meaning, when I put the Sea Foam in the tank I was just at 1/2 tank with 100 miles on the OD.



I hope that did the trick and thanks for the quick replies and helpful information.

You'll want to be changing that fuel filter soon if you ran Seafoam through the gas system...it can get clogged pretty quick. Might just buy one and keep for later, or in case you need it sooner...