How serious is an axle boot leak?

How serious is an axle boot leak?

This may seem like an obscure part, one that you don’t have to worry about. But CV boots serve a simple but important purpose and allow the CV axles and joints to stay clean and enjoy a long service life. When a CV boot leaks, it can cause the attached joint to become damaged posing a serious safety hazard.

Can you drive with a leaking CV joint boot?

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 happens when an axle leaks grease?

What Are the Signs of a Leaking CV Axle? A grease leak is the most common sign you’ll witness with a CV axle leaking. 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.

How long will a leaking 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 much does it cost to replace axle boot?

Typical costs: Replacing a CV boot (which is most cases means replacing the axle/shaft) can cost $150-$600, depending on the make, model and type of vehicle, although on some large or luxury vehicles it can cost $600-$1,200 or more.

What is axle grease?

Definitions of axle grease. a thick heavy grease used to lubricate axles. type of: grease, lubricating oil. a thick fatty oil (especially one used to lubricate machinery)

How much does it cost to replace an axle boot?

How much does it cost to fix an axle seal leak?

Fixing an axle seal can cost anywhere from $150 to several hundred dollars, depending on the make and model of your car. If you detect a leak it’s better to fix it sooner rather than later, as ruining your transmission is an expensive repair.

Is it better to replace CV boot or axle?

CV joints have a rubber boot that allows it to move but also holds in grease so that it stays lubricated. Replacing the whole axle is usually just slightly more than replacing the boot, and you get a new axle and new CV joints.

How much does it cost to replace a CV boot?

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.

What happens if the CV boot breaks?

If a CV joint begins to fail while driving, your car will start to pull to one side as one wheel loses power. When the joint breaks completely its corresponding wheel will no longer turn and although the engine may still run, the car won’t move. If possible, slowly steer your car off the road and then call a tow truck.