CV Boot Repairs & CV Axle Replacement
Is a CV Boot Repair an Urgent Repair Item?
Absolutely! If a technician has determined that you have a cracked, leaking, or torn CV boot, it doesn’t take long to damage the CV joint itself, easily tripling or quadrupling the cost of repair. Once you experience any noise when turning or accelerating, such as clunking, the CV joints themselves have more than likely been damaged already and the CV axle may need to be replaced.
If you experience any of the warning signs above, contact our auto shop in Tucson for an inspection. Our auto experts will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and give you a diagnosis. If needed, the technicians can provide a CV boot repair or CV axle replacement
What Is a CV Boot?
The CV boots are protective rubber boots that cover the flexible ends of the drive axles. The boot has a large end and a small end and looks sort of like an “accordion funnel”. The boot prevents the grease from drying out. However, most importantly, a properly functioning boot prevents contaminants like dirt and grit from integrating with the lubricant to create an abrasive mixture that accelerates part failure.
What Is a CV Axle?
Modern front-wheel drive cars typically combine the transmission and front axle into a single unit called a transaxle. The drive axle is a split axle with a differential and universal joints between the two half axles. Each half axle connects to the wheel by use of a constant velocity (CV) joint which allows the wheel assembly to move freely vertically as well as to pivot when making turns. A CV boot is used to protect the CV joint and prevent the grease from drying out and more importantly it keeps dirt and grit from getting in.CV
Frequently Asked Questions
The choice is yours, but we would recommend replacement of the entire axle. The purpose of the boot is to prevent the loss of lubricating grease (which is flung outwards thanks to centrifugal force) and to prevent contamination by dust and road debris. Once the boot is torn and contamination occurs, damage to the joint itself is likely. Additionally, the labor cost to remove the boot is usually similar to the cost to remove the entire axle, making the costs very similar. To replace the boot might be tantamount to putting a bandage on after the wound has already been contaminated.
The CV boot performs two jobs: to prevent contamination of the lubricating grease by road debris, and also to prevent the loss of that grease. The CV axle spins quickly, which can fling grease outwards. If the boot is torn, that grease will cover the inside of the wheel well. (One tell-tale sign of a torn CV boot is the perfectly linear grease spots). Since replacement of the boot is similar to the cost of replacement of the entire axle, it is suggested to replace the axle itself rather than risk re-booting an already-damaged component.
