How do I know if my CV boots are bad?
The CV boots are a concertina-shaped rubber or plastic casing filled with special grease that encloses the constant velocity (CV) joints in your vehicle's drivetrain. CV joints are commonly located on the final drive shafts connecting the wheels to the main transmission system. The CV joint is the part that allows power to pass smoothly between the transmission and the driveshaft connected to the wheel, accommodating the movement of the suspension as you traverse the road.
This is a vital component and one that shouldn't be simply forgotten. Although the CV joints themselves are a low or no-maintenance part, they rely on the boot and its grease for protection. Being made of rubber or plastic, they will, of course, degrade with age and any splits or tears can lead to a loss of grease and expose the joint to water, which will cause it to rust over a period of time. Any damage may allow dirt, grit, and dust to enter the boot, leading inevitably to rapid wear and eventual failure if left. This can leave you in the less-than-ideal situation of a car that works in every way but is unable to turn its wheels. It, therefore, makes sense to have your CV boots checked from time to time.
Signs to look out for
The most common sign something is wrong is a clicking or knocking sound when you turn the car's steering wheel left or right. Grease marks, often in a spiral pattern, from the motion of the wheels on the tyre or rim of the wheels, are another common giveaway that you may have boot damage. Other signs include an unusual vibration when the car is running or a more bouncy ride than normal. Even on smooth roads, the car can feel as though it lacks control and at this point, it is obviously dangerous to continue driving.
Any of these signs or indeed any unusual noises should be investigated as soon as possible. You can book a variety of free vehicle checks with us at Protyre for added peace of mind. In our experience, addressing any issues sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run. We have years of experience and teams of qualified fitters ready to carry out any work your vehicle may need at your convenience in one of our many local garages. When it comes to car maintenance, it is always wise to seek advice from professionals.
What repairs are needed?
There are different types of CV joints and boots and a number of solutions to the various problems you can encounter with them, it depends on the seriousness and amount of damage done. If the joint itself is still in good condition, the CV boot alone can be replaced and repacked with grease. If, however, the joint is damaged and needs replacing, it becomes a longer and more costly job. Our experts can diagnose any problem and advise you on the best solution for your particular make and model of vehicle.
Changing CV boots is just one element of our total package of car servicing, advice, and maintenance, designed to keep you and your family safe and your vehicle running efficiently and in tip-top condition. This includes expert advice on tyres, and our garages hold large stocks, including Bridgestone, Falken, Sumitomo and Pirelli, among others. Our tyre professionals fit two million tyres a year, all carried out in one of our local garages and fitted at a time to suit you.
