CV Joint Boot Replacement Cost

CV axles have a set of joints at each end that must stay protected from dirt and debris, and must also stay lubricated. To serve both purposes, the CV boot is used.

Independent suspension vehicles use constant velocity (CV) axles that have articulating heads at both ends, allowing the wheel to move independent of the differential or transmission. The CV joints at the ends are enclosed in a thick rubber material, called the “CV boot”, that prevents grease from escaping, and dust from entering.

The symptoms of a drive axle leak are very clear. For CV axles, the leakage even easier to spot, as axle grease will coat everything around the torn boot. If the transmission or differential output seal is leaking, the axles may sling that fluid around the wheel wheel and undercarriage while driving.

Driving with a CV boot leak is not particularly dangerous or hazardous to the vehicle, unless the boot has been leaking excessively. If the leak has been present for long enough, the leaking CV axle is in danger of mechanical failure. The vehicle should be driven carefully if the CV axles being popping while driving through turns, or over bumps. As the problem develops, the CV axle will eventually stop driving the wheel.

Driveline leaks and seepage from CV boots, wheel seals, differential seals, and transmission output seals will occur at some point in a vehicle's serviceable lifetime. Most CV boots tend to last around 80,000 to 100,000 miles, but driving habits can dramatically influence this range in either direction.

Inspecting for leaking CV boots is very straightforward, diagnosis only requires simple observation while the vehicle is on a lift. If any leaking or seepage is detected, the seal or boot must be changed.

CV boot replacement requires the wheel and the lower ball joint to be removed to free the CV axle. Then the CV boot or output seals can be replaced , and the CV axle may be re-installed. If the CV joints are popping while the vehicle is turning, the CV axle may require complete replacement. Then the ball joint can be installed and the axle nut can be torqued to specification.

We recommend replacing leaky CV boots as soon as possible. As time passes, the leak will become larger, and there is a very limited amount of axle grease to protect expensive components.

More commonly it is cheaper to replace a CV axle with a complete new part than to service the existing one or replace the boot. The labor cost to rebuild the used part is usually comparable to the cost of the new part.

Anyone can inspect an axle for leaks. The undercarriage of the vehicle is normally very dry and dusty. When a leak occurs, the oil will create a dark, wet spot. This will enable anyone to locate the leak, and decide whether the mentioned repairs are within their abilities. Only a very experienced DIYer should attempt these repairs, as there are assemblies that require experience, skill, and training to properly service.