Car cv boot

How to detect the CV joint boot failure

To identify the components faults, you have to inspect them. On the boots surface there should be no cracks, ruptures, oil traces. Usually it is quite difficult to detect microcracks on the parts. That is why for the most efficient inspection you have to lift the vehicle front part with a jack and turn the steering wheel as far as it can go: the damage is more visible on the stretched rubber. Since the CV joint service life is directly dependent on the state of these parts, it is advisable to check them at least once a month.

You may identify that the CV joint boots need diagnosis by the following signs:

• during driving there are abnormal sounds in the front suspension area, increasing or disappearing when cornering;
• the vehicle jerks during acceleration.

Causes of the CV joint boots failure

CV joint boots are continuously exposed to dirt and moisture, thawing chemicals and other aggressive factors. For this reason, low-quality components not only wear out much faster, but they can provoke premature failure of the CV joint itself.

The boots destruction frequently occurs due to usage of an unsuitable grease or its lack. Some lubricants may include ingredients that destroy rubber. If the lubricant is insufficient, the CV joint components abrasive wear increases, which is accompanied by enhanced heat generation. Boots of inner CV joints are situated closer to the engine, thus they are exposed to more high-temperature impact and may eventually melt on the surface; while the boots of outer CV joints are more subject to mechanical damage, in particular, a puncture when hitting a sharp object. But they can melt as well, for instance, if the hub overheats due to the bearing wear.

Replacement of CV joint boots

These components are consumables, so when they fail, they require replacement. You can install new parts on your own, but this will require a set of special tools. It is advisable to replace the rubber boots on the inner and outer CV joints at the same time, so it is best buying the drive shaft boot kit. Repair works are most comfortably carried out on a pit or a ramp. To replace the CV joint boots, proceed as follows:

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Use the box wrench to unscrew the hub nut.
3. With a proper diameter wrench, unscrew the stabilizer bush fasteners.
4. Remove the wheel, after unscrewing the bolts.
5. Disconnect the tie rod end. For this you may need a puller.
6. Dismantle the inner CV joint flange.
7. Remove the ball joint fasteners.
8. Carefully move the strut out and dismantle the drive shaft together with the CV joints, by carefully pulling it towards yourself.
9. Remove the retaining rings located outside the boot.
10. Grip the drive shaft in the vice and dismantle the CV joint with the help of a puller. If you have no suitable equipment, you can use available tools, but you should work only on the inner cage of the component.
11. Clean the removed CV joint from lubricant, dirt and rust, and then reassemble it.
12. Put a new boot on the drive shaft, secure it with a clamp.
13. Fill the required amount of grease into the boot and reinstall the CV joint in its place.
14. Complete the assembly by performing the procedure in reverse order.