Can you drive with a broken axle boot?

Can you drive with a broken axle 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. Among the indications that a CV joint or axle has been damaged is a clicking or popping noise when turning, or vibrations at highway speeds.

Are CV boots expensive?

Cv joints are not particularly expensive items to buy and can range from as little as £20 up to roughly £150. Depending on the car, the labour charge to fit them shouldn’t be that much either. Bank on half an hour to an hour per side to replace.

What happens if axle boot breaks?

If the boot that seals the CV joint is damaged, the grease will leak out and contamination will set in, eventually causing the joint to wear out and fail. A severely worn out CV joint can even disintegrate while you’re driving and make the car undrivable. It is not safe to drive with a damaged CV joint.

What causes an axle boot to tear?

A grease leak is the first symptom that is most commonly associated with a bad or failing CV boot. Over time, with exposure to the elements a CV boot can become dry or brittle and crack or tear. A torn boot can also allow dirt, debris, and moisture to enter the CV joint, which will damage the joint.

How long will torn CV boot last?

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 long do torn boot CV joints last?

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.

Why do my CV axle boots keep tearing?

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.

How long should a CV boot last?

The 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.

Can you repair a CV axle boot?

CV boot kits are an efficient, cost-effective way to repair an axle with a damaged boot. As a best practice, inspect your CV boots regularly (at a minimum, every oil change, and more frequently if you drive off-road). The goal is to capture and repair any boot damage BEFORE it extends to the CV joint itself!

How much does it cost to replace a boot and axle?

Most of the time, it will make more economic sense for you to replace the axle rather than just the boot. A replacement CV axle, for example, can cost $50 and $150 or more.

How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?

CostHelper readers report paying $12-$23 for DIY replacement of just the CV boot, or $100 for two CV axles with boots, for an average DIY cost of $45. Rocky Mountain Driveline in Denver, CO posts a CV axle price list [ 1] with costs of $50-$70 for just the part, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle.

Can a CV boot be replaced with a new axle?

In some cases a repair shop will simply replace the CV boot, but typically the entire CV axle will be replaced with a new or remanufactured axle, because the costs are about the same and the shop might not be willing to guarantee the work unless the entire axle is replaced.

How much does a wheel alignment cost after a boot replacement?

Some shops include a wheel alignment ($20-$400) in the cost of a CV boot/axle replacement, and others charge extra for it. A wheel alignment is not necessarily required after a CV boot/axle replacement, but the conditions that caused problems with the CV boot/axle may have affected the alignment.

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