The role that drive axle boots play is essentially protective. As indicated by their alternative name, CV boots, they are designed to encase the constant velocity (or CV) joints that provide the connection between the drive axle of most front-wheel drive cars and the vehicle's wheels.
They are most affected by prolonged off-road driving or heavy use in transportation-industry conditions. However, it is possible to drive around with a torn CV boot. But, in all actuality, this will inevitably lead to even more severe damage and call for extensive repairs.
The Constant Velocity is sealed by a boot. This boot may get damaged, and when this happens, the joint will wear out and eventually fail. If you drive a car with a damaged CV, the joint will disintegrate further, making driving impossible. You'll not be able to control the vehicle and may get involved in an accident.
If a CV boot tears, grease can leak out and moisture and dirt can get in. If left unattended, it's only a matter of time before the joint fails from lack of lubrication or corrosion. When that happens, the whole axle may need to be replaced.
CV Boots should be inspected regularly and replaced immediately if torn. This type of preventative repair can save a lot of money and frustration down the road.
When the CV axle boots become either cracked, torn or compromised in some way, the protective grease needed to keep the constant velocity joint lubricated will leak it's way out, then moisture and dirt will work it's way in.
CV joints, boots (gaiters) and driveshafts are a common MOT failure. All drive-shafts and prop-shafts have a flexible joint at either end which needs continuous lubrication. These joints (CV joints) have a rubber boot to hold the grease within the joint itself. These split over time and allow the grease to escape.
A surprisingly small amount of dirt and/or moisture along with a lack of lubrication can do significant damage in a short period of time. Therefore, the best repair advice is to replace any CV Axle that has a failed boot. The alternative is to replace the boot, repack the grease and hope for the best.
Often, the whole axle doesn't have to be replaced. Replacing the boots is often sufficient to keep your axle going for many more miles. Enter your vehicle info at Advance Auto Parts to find a boot kit that fit your vehicle. These split boot kits are a real time saver because the axle can stay on the vehicle.
The answer will be relative from one CV axle to another. It could take weeks, months, or years. But the average lifespan of a bad CV axle is around five to six months. Knowing this does not merely mean to stretch the deadline a little bit.
What is the difference between a CV axle and a CV boot?
A CV axle assembly has two boots, one covering the tripod joint and the other covering the CV joint. Boot failure is the most common problem associated with CV axle failure. A dry or damaged boot could cause grease to escape and could allow moisture and dust to enter.
Once the boot goes bad, the lubricant leaks out and dirt and water can get in. The CV joint will fail soon. You might get another thousand miles out of it with good luck…… or it might fail within an hour or so, depending on the circumstances. It will start making noise as soon as it's heating up.
Many times a CV boot can be torn or cracked without anyone knowing. This can allowing dirt and moisture into the joint which can cause excessive wear, binding, corrosion and premature failure. Yes, clicking is a common indicator, but sometimes, they just get worn to the point they bind up, then let go.
On average, replacing one is around $880, and $959 for an axle shaft. Repairing a front axle is about $550-$740, with the rear one approaching $480-$550. Luckily you won't have to do this often, and the replacement should last you for a while.
Though perhaps not as commonly understood, axles are as important to a properly functioning vehicle and vehicle safety as the engine, steering system, brakes, and tires are. If an axle does get damaged, have a reputable technician repair it promptly.
Replacing a single axle, parts, and labor together can cost between $300 and over $1500, depending on the car. This rate can be multiplied by the number of axles you need replacing.
If you have the repair done in a workshop, the labour costs can easily be £300 to £500, especially if you also have to replace the axles. Top products related to this topic: Cv joint Seat Ibiza.
The most common cause of CV joint failure is from the deterioration and splitting or tearing of the rubber CV Boot. Once split the protective CV joint grease escapes and dirt, road grime and water can enter the joint and cause the CV joint to wear rapidly and fail prematurely.
Depending on how big your 'small tear' is, you could clean it up and superglue it back together. +1 I've done this in the past with superglue and never had to touch it again, think it was about an inch long split.
Failing CV joints pose a serious risk so be sure to get your car into your auto shop as soon as possible. If there is only a small crack in the outer CV joint, your mechanic may be able to simply replace the CV boot and repack the grease, but for any major damage, an entirely new joint is necessary.
The transmission needs fluid to properly cool and lubricate its components, while the differential needs oil to lubricate the gears and prevent premature wear. If the CV axle leaks enough fluids, then it can cause transmission or differential issues.
It really is just that the cost to get to the boot is high in terms of labor. It can easily be 140$ of labor to disassemble the wheel down to the knuckle and access the outer boot.
While one can repack, reboot and rebuild CV axles, it makes more sense for the average do-it-yourselfer to procure replacement units and swap out the old axles. If a boot is torn or missing, it is possible to save the joint if caught early enough, but usually the damage has already been done.
