Why is It Important to Check Your CV Boots Regularly?
Why is It Important to Check Your CV Boots Regularly?
Posted on May 20, 2021
CV boots are a vital component of all front-wheel drive vehicles, and also of many rear-wheel-drive models. Also known as CV joints, rubber boots, or constant velocity boots, they're an integral part of the drivetrain, passing the torque to the wheels while also allowing the suspension to smooth out the ride.
They work by greasing the connection between the active joints in each wheel's suspension, and it's important that the oil used for greasing is as clean as possible. The CV boots use a tight rubber seal to keep them grease-free from the dust, grime, and debris kicked up by the wheels as you drive. If this seal starts to fail, the CV joints will start to work less efficiently as the contamination builds up. If this isn't caught quickly, expensive damage to the driveshaft can quickly result, and this is a much more serious problem to put right.
How to Check Your CV Joints or Rubber Boots
Because of this danger of serious damage, checking your CV boots regularly is an important part of vehicle maintenance, especially for heavier vehicles with more force going through the suspension system.
There are three major warning signs to watch out for that could mean your CV joints need some attention. First, unusual clicking noises during turning are a sure sign that something's amiss with the suspension link, and the CV boots are one of the first possibilities a mechanic will check when trying to narrow down the cause.
Second, any grease on the inner parts of the wheels is usually a bad sign that should be checked out. And lastly, vibrations around the CV axle can be caused by a variety of issues, but a CV boot problem is a likely suspect that should be checked out
The CV axle is the part of the drivetrain that's directly responsible for transferring the engine power from the transmission to the wheels. It needs to be strong to withstand the forces involved. However, it also needs to be flexible to allow the wheels to move during cornering, along with allowing the suspension to travel up and down. The CV axle is protected by the rubber boot, which keeps out the dirt and debris which will degrade lubrication and eventually damage the connection.
Can You Check the CV Boots Yourself?
If you know what you're looking for, it's straightforward to get under your truck and check the CV joints yourself. However, as they're such an important part of your truck's performance and longevity, most people choose to have them regularly inspected by a qualified mechanic. It's a quick and easy job which could save a lot of heartaches if any problems are caught early.
It's also a good idea to have a repair shop fully service the driveshaft from time to time, removing and cleaning it so that the grease can be replaced with fresh. This is a fairly major job, but will significantly extend the life of the CV joint, the rubber boots, and the overall drivetrain, helping to keep your truck running well for years to come.