
How to fix a CV joint boot in 5 steps
- Cut and remove the old clamps and uncover the joint. ...
- Slide the inner race off the axle splines. With any luck, they’ll come off with the cage and bearings as an assembly. ...
- Remove the old boots. Tape up the axle splines with electrical tape to protect the new boots from cuts. ...
- Grab the kit grease. Push about half the grease into the joints and the other half into the boots. ...
- Clampdown time. The big players in CV joint boot clamps are band and ear. ...
Full Answer
How much does it cost to repair a CV boot?
Usually, it can cost in between $175 to $350+ per CV boot, depending on the design, make and type of vehicle, although some high-end cars can cost upwards of $1,000 each. The expenses might be about 20 to 30 percent higher if they were to replace the whole shaft/axle.
How to remove a severely stuck CV axle?
● Take a five-pound slide hammer and an attachment designed to remove CV axles. ● Thread on the attachment on the five-pound slide hammer and then tighten it. ● Now take this tool to the position where the CV joint axle is stuck into the transmission. ● Pull the axle towards you with the help of a tool.
How much to replace a torn CV boot?
How much does it cost to replace a torn CV boot? Typical costs: Replacing a CV boot (which is most cases means replacing the axle/shaft) can cost $150-$600, depending on the make, model and type of vehicle, although on some large or luxury vehicles it can cost $600-$1,200 or more.
Can you drive with torn CV axle boots?
You can drive on it right up until the CV runs out of grease and breaks. Haha, yeah, you can run it for a while, it won't break immediately. I would say you can safely make it out of a trail with a ripped cv boot if that is what you are worried about. '85 4runner: crawler, lockers, swampers, dents

How do you fix a torn CV axle boot?
3:465:09HOW TO REPAIR A TORN OR BUSTED CV AXLE BOOT ...... LIFE ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you've used a guerrilla tape you just want to wrap it around that you can actually do theMoreAfter you've used a guerrilla tape you just want to wrap it around that you can actually do the whole boot and tape if it's whipped. Bad enough that's actually better than this.
Can you repair a broken CV boot?
Replacing a CV Boot Many repair shops, though, will recommend replacing the entire axle if a boot is torn because there may be unseen damage to the CV joints, axle shafts and other parts that could result in other problems.
How do you repair a hole in a CV boot?
0:271:04Fix CV Boot for $5! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you take your rubber scuff where that comes with the kit you bought you scuff up the rubberMoreThen you take your rubber scuff where that comes with the kit you bought you scuff up the rubber boot slap on some rubber cement. And press these patches on until they dry.
Can you replace just the boot on a CV axle?
If no noise is present and only the CV boot is broken, you can replace just the CV boot. Tip: Before you install a new axle, check the CV joints (even when the boot is broken) and see if they are worth saving. If you need to replace the CV axle completely, the new CV axle will come with the boots already installed.
How do you temporarily fix a CV boot?
3:178:30Emergency CV Boot Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you've got one of those that's ideal. If you're in the side of the road maybe you can get to aMoreIf you've got one of those that's ideal. If you're in the side of the road maybe you can get to a gas station or a part store any clean grease. Hopefully high temp grease.
Can you glue a split CV boot?
If you have a leaking cv boot there are these split cv boots you can use to replace them. you can basically wrap the cv boot around and glue it together without disassembling the wheel, axle etc then you just glue the sides of the boot together.
How do you fix a ripped boot?
3:125:12How to repair a torn CV Boot Fast and for Free! With Budget Mechanic.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd attach one end over the front of the boot. And pull it as tight as you can get it then for theMoreAnd attach one end over the front of the boot. And pull it as tight as you can get it then for the other side just wrap it into the next groove down from the Terr tighten.
How do you replace a CV boot without removing axle?
1:489:32How to replace a CV Boot without removing it - FreeAutoMechanicYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust just place it on the side of it and tap it with your screwdriver. Start working it loose. AndMoreJust just place it on the side of it and tap it with your screwdriver. Start working it loose. And then you can do that work yourself all the way around to pop it all.
How serious is a leaking CV boot?
When a CV joint axle fails completely, it will render the car immobile, since the transfer of power to the wheels can no longer be completed. So when you hear those warning noises, or are told that your CV axle boot is leaking, it is a good idea to get the axles replaced as soon as possible.
How long will a CV joint last with a torn boot?
To keep that all-important grease contained where it should be, each joint is enshrouded by a protective rubber boot, or “CV boot.” As long as that boot remains intact, it is not uncommon for CV joints to last well over 100,000 miles or more.
What causes a CV boot to tear?
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.
What causes CV boot to leak?
With extended use, wear, and tear, the CV boot can dry out which results in tears and cracks. Once that happens, the CV boot will allow grease to seep through inside the wheel. The lubricant could also spread to the chassis and other underside portions of your vehicle.
What happens if the CV boot breaks?
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.
How much does it cost to replace CV boot?
A CV joint itself can cost between $95 and $210. Hiring a mechanic to perform a replacement will be between $165 and $800. The price mainly depends on whether you're replacing a double or single axle.
How do you replace a CV boot without removing axle?
1:489:32How to replace a CV Boot without removing it - FreeAutoMechanicYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust just place it on the side of it and tap it with your screwdriver. Start working it loose. AndMoreJust just place it on the side of it and tap it with your screwdriver. Start working it loose. And then you can do that work yourself all the way around to pop it all.
How often do CV boots need to be replaced?
about 80,000 milesThe CV boot is used constantly when the car is in use. Usually, the CV boots will last about 80,000 miles before they have to be replaced. The boots are made from rubber, which means that they will take on a lot of abuse over the years due to the high amount of heat that they are exposed to.
What Is A CV Boot?
To understand the function of a CV boot, it's important to first look at what the "CV" part signifies. A constant velocity (CV) joint is a coupling found on one or both ends of axle shafts fitted to vehicles with independent suspension setups. A ball-shaped piece on the axle shaft end (s) sits within a cup-shaped piece attached to shorter shafts leading to the wheels or center mounting point. Ball bearings situated in between allow axles equipped with CV joints to flex and pivot.
How to install CV joint?
Take the inside-out CV boot and slide it (wide end first) up over the lubricated funnel until it completely passes over the funnel. Correct the inside-out, inverted orientation by grabbing the wide end of the boot and flipping it over as you pull it back toward you. Once that's done, it will be positioned correctly for installation. Pack fresh axle grease into the CV joint.
How to grease CV boot?
Next, take a long plastic funnel, coat the outside of it with grease, then insert the wide end of it over the axle CV joint. Most kits come with a tube of axle grease, so go ahead and use that.
How to remove grease from a car boot?
Using a pair of channel locks or a razor blade, cut the old boot away and remove it from the axle shaft. Wipe as much of the old grease away as possible with a rag, then spray cleaning solvent to thoroughly remove any gunk that remains.
What are CV boots made of?
Ring clamps (or "bands") on both sides of the boot maintain a tight seal. While most CV boots are made of rubber, some are made of other materials such as polyurethane or neoprene for increased durability. CV boots are kept in place by ring shaped clamps at both ends that create a tight seal.
Why do CV boots crack?
Typically, cracks from normal wear appear first on outer CV boots closest to the wheels because they are subject to a greater range of up-and-down motion. In most everyday driving situations, CV boot damage occurs while driving through hard-packed snow, or on roads covered with large gravel or stones.
What happens when a CV joint is faulty?
A faulty outer CV joint will make a popping or clicking noise as your steering wheel is turned - becoming louder as you accelerate around a corner.
How to get grease out of a boot?
It’s an ugly mess, so remove excess grease from the axle before positioning the boots in their respective grooves. Adjust the DOJ and axle at about half travel and put a tiny screwdriver or similar blunt tool under the boot. Move the joints around and let air in or out to balance the pressure until the bellows don’t deform or pinch.
What type of pliers are used for PEX tubing?
Both types of clamping pliers are inexpensive, and the ear clamp pliers are also excellent for plumbing with PEX tubing. Position the new clamps on the boots and cinch them up with the respective pliers. The clamps should be tight enough to hold the boot but not deform or cut into the rubber.
What does CV mean in a rubber boot?
The constant velocity, or CV, joint lives only as long as its grease. A blown rubber boot combined with velocity can spin grease out and let in road crud. A telltale clik-clik-clik means it’s already too late, but catch a cracked boot early, and the axle can be saved. Here’s how you can do it yourself in five steps.
What clamps are used for CV joint?
The big players in CV joint boot clamps are band and ear. Either type can theoretically be installed without dedicated pliers, but chances are better than good the clamp will get bodged up in the process. Both types of clamping pliers are inexpensive, and the ear clamp pliers are also excellent for plumbing with PEX tubing.
How to keep DOJ on axle?
A series of circular or snap rings keep the DOJ on the axle, so break out the snap ring pliers. Remove the circlip and DOJ outer race, then tie a rag around the inner cage and ball bearings. Remove the snap ring that keeps the inner race, cage, and ball bearings on the axle. Keep the rings in order and watch for bevels.
What to do after removing Rzeppa?
After removal, clean up the outside to keep any more crud from getting inside then inspect the exposed joint. You may find Rzeppa joints like these, Tripod joints, or similar.
Why is CV boot clamped in place?
The new CV boot is then clamped in place. Setting the axle in the vise vertically makes it easier to install and clamp the boot because the joint isn’t flexing. Otherwise you’ll have to fight the boot tension while installing the clamps.
What is the inner joint of a tripod?
The inner joint is indexed to the shaft with splines cut into both the shaft and the tripod joint. A circlip holds the joint in place.
How to pack grease in a joint?
The joint should be “packed” with grease, meaning the grease should be pushed deep into the joint, not just smeared on top. This is accomplished by “slapping” the grease into the joint by hand to push it past the ball bearings. It’s a very messy job. Once the joint is packed, the remaining grease is piled in a mount atop the joint.
Where is the CV boot on a car?
The inner CV boot is positioned on the axle shaft first. Then the joint is packed with grease and pushed onto the inner tripod. Once the joint is in position, the boot is slid onto the joint and clamped in place.
What is CV joint?
What’s a CV joint? It’s a flexible joint found on both ends of the drive axle. The outer joint allows the front wheels to turn and move up and down. The inner joint allows the suspension to move and the axle to telescope in and out. The CV joints are packed with grease.
Can you put an axle in a vice?
Once the axle has been removed, we put it in a vice. This makes is a lot easier to work on the axle. If the axle is rolling around on the bench, it’s a lot harder to deal with the clamps and clips.
Can you de stake an axle nut?
The axle nut will usually be staked in place as a safety measure. It’s best to de-stake the axle nut before removing it. Some axle nuts are so beefy that they’ll tear up the threads on the way off. KTC (the Japanese equivalent to Snap-On) makes a great de-staking tool that makes the job a lot easier.
How to raise a vehicle before raising it?
Before raising the vehicle begin by removing the wheel covers (if installed) and by breaking loose the lug nuts. Only turn the lug nuts about a quarter turn. This allows you to overcome the initial friction that keeps them tight while the wheels are on the ground. Also break loose the axle nut while the wheels are on the ground. For my vehicle it required a 30 mm socket that I checked out from the local auto parts store with a refundable deposit.
What to do if your axle is bad?
If your axle is bad you should remove the other end of the axle shaft from the transmission to remove it completely. There are several different axle designs and different ways to do this depending on the vehicle. There may be some sort of retaining clip holding the inboard end of the axle to the transmission, and if you remove the axle there are some extra steps you may need to perform before doing this:
What tools do you need to remove boot banding?
Once the banding is removed you can begin cutting the old boot off. Some useful tools for this job are utility/razor blade knives, wire cutters, snips, and pliers.
Why drain transmission fluid?
1. Drain the transmission fluid first because it may spill out of the axle hole.
How to remove a bolt from a nut?
Remove the nut by holding the bolt and loosening, then the bolt should slide out. Now the lower arm pin should also slide out from the bottom. You many need to tap on the lower arm with a hammer, any type of hammer will do this time. Ask Question.
How much does it cost to replace a boot?
Cost for boot replacement kit and supplies: $15-$30 (Assuming you have the tools)
Where to put grease on a bearing?
Apply liberal amounts of grease into and on the bearing. Apply the rest of the grease to the boot section near the bearing.
