Repairing Guides

how to repair cv joint boot

by Dr. Maudie Rutherford Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to fix a CV joint boot in 5 steps

  1. Cut and remove the old clamps and uncover the joint. ...
  2. Slide the inner race off the axle splines. With any luck, they’ll come off with the cage and bearings as an assembly. ...
  3. Remove the old boots. Tape up the axle splines with electrical tape to protect the new boots from cuts. ...
  4. Grab the kit grease. Push about half the grease into the joints and the other half into the boots. ...
  5. Clampdown time. The big players in CV joint boot clamps are band and ear. ...

Part of a video titled Emergency CV Boot Repairs - YouTube
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It into that area and then move it around as much as you can and get grease to different parts ofMoreIt into that area and then move it around as much as you can and get grease to different parts of that CV. Joint.

Full Answer

How much does replacing a CV boot cost?

When Buying

  • It’s easy to know when the CV boot is damaged because there will be a leak or seepage around the CV boot once on a lift.
  • The mechanic will tell you if the axle was compromised due to the CV boot being damaged for a long time.
  • The wheel and lower ball joint will be removed to remove the CV axle.

More items...

What does it cost to repair a CV joint?

What is a CV-Axle/Joint?

  • SYMPTOMS of a Bad CV Joint
  • INSPECTING a CV-Joint
  • CV Axle REPLACEMENT and COST
  • CV Boot Replacement and Cost

How long can I drive with a torn CV boot?

you are safe until it starts to create a clicking sound when turning, then you will have to replace the whole CV joint. if you drive it for too long the company may not take your core back if you pick up a reman unit. 50 miles you "should" be ok. How much does it cost to replace a CV axle boot?

How to remove a CV joint?

  • If the axle doesn’t immediately come loose, try twisting it back and force to break the seal.
  • It’s normal for some transmission fluid to leak out as you remove the axle from the cv joint. You should put down a catch pan.
  • On your vehicle, the axle may have to pass through an enclose piece called a wishbone before it’s completely free. ...

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Can a torn CV boot be repaired?

By replacing a torn CV Boot, the joint can be saved keeping the grease in the joint and protecting it from wear. 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.

How do you fix a CV axle boot?

6:2919:31How To Replace CV Boots - EricTheCarGuy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your joint. Put it on the outside there and slip it up on there all right now you got your axleMoreTake your joint. Put it on the outside there and slip it up on there all right now you got your axle on here the splines are started. Now here is the cool part take a pocket screwdriver and push.

Can you seal a CV boot?

To ensure a long lasting seal we have found that the best solution is applying epoxy to the CV boots during the installation process. This will keep the boots from separating with the increased articulation or extreme off road use. The tube of Permatex epoxy is enough for several sets of axles.

Can you replace just the boot on a CV joint?

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 replace a CV boot without removing axle?

8:399:32How to replace a CV Boot without removing it - FreeAutoMechanicYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I ended up doing was using a pair of channellock. Put it over top of the screwdriver pinchMoreSo what I ended up doing was using a pair of channellock. Put it over top of the screwdriver pinch it together to get them started.

What happens if CV boot is torn?

When a CV boot cracks or tears it will usually leak grease onto the inside of the wheel. Often times the grease can also be flung onto the chassis or other parts on the underside of the vehicle as the CV axle turns.

Can I use Flex seal on a CV boot?

0:272:31Fix tear in axel/CV boot with Flex Tape and Flex Liquid Rubber - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd all i did is wrap around the boot with flex tape. This will prevent any moisture. And debris getMoreAnd all i did is wrap around the boot with flex tape. This will prevent any moisture. And debris get it inside the axle. Then i spray. The flat sealant.

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.

Can you drive with a leaking CV joint boot?

It is possible to drive a car with a torn CV boot, but doing so will likely lead to further damage that will eventually require more extensive repair.

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.

How do you clamp a CV boot?

Place the boot clamp to the left side of your CV boot. Pull the thread outward to tighten the boot clamp around your CV boot. Use your needle nose plier to do this properly. This will tighten the clamp around your CV boot and create pressure on the metal clasp.

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.

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 is 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.

Why does grease leak out of a boot?

Grease packed inside a boot will leak out as the axle rotates, and dirt and moisture will work their way in. Without proper lubrication, abrasive grit and corrosion from water eventually cause a CV joint to wear to the point where it's compromised and must be replaced before complete breakage occurs.

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.

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.

Why do rubber boots tear?

Rubber boots covering axle joints will tear due to normal wear and outside factors. We show you what to replace and how to do it – before axle damage occurs. by Timothy Z. Technical writer and product consultant.

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 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.

What is the vise jaw made of?

You may have noticed that the vise jaws are made of aluminum, so clamping down on the splines won’t injure the joint. The inner CV boot is positioned on the axle shaft first. Then the joint is packed with grease and pushed onto the inner tripod.

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 get boot to slide smoothly?

Also make sure to remove all sharp edges with a razor blade to allow the boot to slide smoothly without catching or cutting. Make sure you grease up the funnel (or cone of some sort) so that every portion is covered. Now reverse the boot, and begin pushing it with a rag onto the cone with constant pressure.

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 to remove a cotter pin?

Start by using needle nose pliers to remove the cotter pin. Bend the pin so the ends are straight and remove it by pulling on the rounded end. Next remove the castle nut with a socket wrench. The last part of this may be more complicated than it seems.

What to do if you remove the axle?

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: 1. Drain the transmission fluid first because it may spill out of the axle hole. 2.

How to get jack stands on a car?

Raise the car high enough to get jack stands under two other strong parts of the body or frame, ideally at the same point on each side of the car. Lower the jack enough so the majority of the weight is resting on the stands, but leave the jack under the vehicle supporting some of the weight for added safety.

Can you use a metal hammer to hammer a ball joint?

If you only have a metal hammer then use a piece of wood between the hammer and the ball joint stud. If this does not work, you may need to hit it harder, just be careful not to damage the threads by hitting it directly with a metal hammer.

Do you need to remove stabilizer bar linkage?

You will also need to remove the stabilizer bar linkage, since it may prevent you from pushing the lower arm all the way down. This should be a simple task, be sure you don't lose the nut, was hers, and rubber bushings.

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