CV Boot Failure

CV Boots are ribbed, conical, and flexible rubber covers that protect the axle and axle head from dust and contamination and preserve the axle grease.>

CV Boot Price List

There are two types of CV Boots in cars:

1. Gearbox-side CV Boot (inner boot): These boots are near the car’s gearbox and far from the wheels.>
2. Wheel-side CV Boot (outer boot): These CV Boots are near the wheels. All cars have the essential outer boots whereas not all cars have inner CV Boots.

Signs of Axle and CV Boot Failure

As mentioned earlier, CV Boots are consumable parts for axles whose failure will affect and cause axles to fail. It is therefore difficult to determine and diagnose signs of CV Boot failure separately from the axle.

Hence, this section will discuss the symptoms of this part’s failure. Remember that timely action will prevent accidents or rollover and prevent damage to the car’s gearbox and differential.

• Knocking noise when turning around means that the axle is probably damaged. To know which axle is damaged, simply turn the car on full lock. The axle on the side that creates noise has failed. Noise on both sides means that both axles have failed.
• At high speeds, the vibration of the cabin and gearshift mean a damaged axle. Although a vibrating cabin could indicate damage to other parts, it is advisable to check the CV Boot.
• Knocking noise is another sign of failing axle, which is typically heard when pressing the gas pedal.
• Oil or grease around wheel hubs is another sign of axle failure. Since CV Boot rupture could leak oil around the wheels, replace it as soon as possible.

Reasons for Failing Axles

Sometimes, our actions damage the car and its parts mostly due to unawareness and inattention. Therefore, this section will mention the actions and reasons for the failure of axles and their parts.

• CV Boot rupture: This is an important reason for damaged axles. This part prevents suspended particles from entering the axle and other attached parts. The axle head and race are two important components of the axle shaft that could be seriously damaged in the event of CV Boot rupture. This could also lead to oil leakage from other parts.
• Negligence in axle replacement: Before any action, remember that the axle should be replaced under the supervision of an expert. Loose or tight axle bolts could lead to failure or lock the steering wheel while driving.
• Driving with the wrong gear: This is more common among novice drivers. Using the wrong gear makes it more likely to damage the axle.
• Pushing to start the car: You may have seen that this is more common in cars that fail to start. In this case, the car is put in gear and pushed to start, which causes serious damage to the car and its axle.
• Sudden braking or improper use of the handbrake: Remember that some sudden actions lead to accidents and injuries. Sudden braking or improper use of the handbrake will damage the axle or the car.
• Towing another car: Cars should be towed with the right towing car. Towing heavier cars will damage the car’s body and internal parts, such as axle.
• Dropping the clutch: This also damages to the car’s internal parts. As explained earlier, sudden actions often damage the car.
• Starting the car when it is already running: Starting the car while it is running will lead to axle damage and failure.
• Loose or tight axle head bolts: As mentioned earlier, loose or tight axle bolts will lead to axle head damage and failure, locking the steering wheel.

Increasing Axle and CV Boot Lifespan

Dangers of Axle Failure

This article mentioned signs of axle failure, inattention to which will have the following risks for the car and its passengers.

• Failure of the axle or its parts will lock the wheel and crush its balls, locking the steering wheel.
• Ignoring symptoms of axle failure could break it and disrupt the car’s movement.
• A broken axle will damage the gearbox and differential.
• Axle failure makes wheel movement and adjustment difficult, making the car uncontrollable.

Troubleshooting and Fixing the CV Boot

The CV Boot or any attached part can be troubleshooted and fixed in the following two ways. These actions will reveal the damaged part to be repaired.

Car Running

First, check the car when it is running. In this case, if there is noise from the engine, gearbox, axle, or other parts, drive the car on a flat surface and switch between moderate speed, acceleration, and turning while paying attention to the following:

• Clicking noise when making turns indicates that the outer ring is likely damaged.
• More noise when reversing could mean that the outer ring is in need of replacement.
• More vibration at high speeds could mean that the tires and wheels are out of balance or the half axles are bent and the dampener’s weight is on the axle.

Car Turned Off and Stationary

The following actions are effective when the car is stopped.

• If the axle head or axle shaft are replaced, check parts such as thread length, stud length on the wheel hub, and axle shaft diameter inside the gearbox.
• A grease leak could mean axle damage. Roughness when touching the grease means dust infiltration and a damaged CV Boot. When replacing the CV Boot, ensure that all its parts are installed tightly.
• If the axle shaft to the gearbox is loose, both should be checked. In these cases, the looseness could be due to the abrasion of the housing or axle head.

Last Word

The health and quality of car parts affects its life span and movement. Like other car parts, the CV Boot is especially important. Given the consequences and costs of neglecting CV Boots, it is recommended to inspect them every 20,000 km.