What is the purpose of a CV boot?

The CV joints, or axles, are covered by a sealed plastic or rubber “boot”. The purpose of the boot is keeping dirt and moisture out. They also enclose the grease packed around the joint, which serves to lubricate the moving parts.

What is the difference between an inner and outer CV boot?

Inner CV joints connect the axle drive shafts to the transmission or differential, while the outer CV joints connect the axle drive shafts to the wheels. The CV boot protects both the inner and outer portions of the CV joint and keeps away water, pebbles, and other road dirt from entering into and damaging it.

What does a torn CV boot mean?

Over time, with exposure to the elements a CV boot can become dry or brittle and crack or tear. When a CV boot cracks or tears it will usually leak grease onto the inside of the wheel. A torn boot can also allow dirt, debris, and moisture to enter the CV joint, which will damage the joint.

What happens if you don’t fix a torn CV boot?

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.

How long can I drive with a torn CV boot?

There is no real set time how long the bad joint will last, and it may last a year or a month. A YourMechanic technician can travel to your location and help and replace the axle CV joint boot as soon as possible.

How serious is a torn CV boot?

How long will torn CV boot last?

Can I drive with a blown CV boot?

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.

How do you replace a CV boot?

How To Replace CV Boots: (Applies to most Nissans except the Quest) The simple gist of it: Put the front end of the car up on jack stands. Remove the left front wheel. Remove the retainer pin for the center hub nut. Remove the center hub nut (BIG breaker bar and 32 or 36 mm socket, car in park, 2nd person standing on the brake pedal).

How do you change outer CV boot?

To change an outer CV boot you will need: A boot replacement A vice A brass hammer or dead blow hammer A rubber mallet A flathead screwdriver A pen magnet Boot clamp pliers Safety glasses Gloves A rag

What is a CV boot on a car?

A constant velocity boot, sometimes also called a CV boot, is a protective cover that fits over certain joints in the wheels of a car or truck to protect them from accumulating debris and getting damaged or bent with excessive movement. Their main role is protection, and they’re most common in the CV joints…

What causes a CV boot or CV joint to break?

When a CV boot fails due to age and wear , or is damaged by roadway debris , the grease that keeps the joint lubricated quickly leaks out of the joint and dirt, roadway grime and moisture enters the joint. When this occurs, the CV joint will soon fail.