Checking Drive Axle Boots is Quick and Easy
Drive axle boots are a key component to the proper operation of the drive axle joint.
This is the joint which is necessary for your wheels to turn.
A failed boot will cause the joint to be exposed and will allow the elements to corrode or otherwise harm the joint.
Another name for this component is the CV boot.
Many people do not give the CV boot, or CV joint a second though until they cannot turn the car.
Some basic knowledge of the system will help you to save on costly repairs down the road.
If you look at the inside of the turning wheels of your car, you will notice a rod with a rubber component attached to it.
This is the drive axle boot.
There is one on either side of the car and it is what protects the CV joint.
It contains grease that protects the CV joint from the elements.
The main enemy of the CV joint is dirt.
If dirt gets into the CV joint, it can become hard, if not impossible to turn the wheel.
Once this happens, the entire CV joint and CV boot will need to be replaced.
This is something which can be avoided by some very simple precautions on your part.
One of the simplest ways you can make sure your drive axle boots are in good working order is to ask the mechanic to check them when you are getting an oil change.
Since the car is already elevated for the change, the wheel will be at eye level.
They will be able to very easily see if the rubber is degrading to the point of cracking or getting close to doing so.
What will take the mechanic a couple of minutes to perform will save you from a much more expensive labor cost later on down the road.
They should be able to tell you an estimate on how long you have until the boot wears out and will have to be replaced.
Replacing drive axle boots is something which has to happen occasionally.
The part is not exactly designed to wear out over time, but the nature of the part causes this to be the case.
Because the part is made out of rubber, and it is exposed to the elements, it will degrade over time.
There is no set amount of time for you to go between checking the CV boots.
If the mood strikes you, you are more than able to check them before every drive.
This is not necessary, but it will not hurt anything.
A better time period will be during the periodic oil changes you receive for your car.
This allows time to go by, but not enough that a problem can sneak up on you.
There are some warning signs about bad drive axle boots you can look out for.
The first thing you can watch for is oil spots where your front wheels are.
The grease inside the boots will leak out if there are cracks in the rubber.
Should you see this, you will want to inspect, or have your boots inspected at once.
You may also notice a clicking sound when you turn the wheel.
This is an indicator that the boot has already torn and that you may be having a problem with the CV joint.
You need to get your car in to the mechanic right away before the problem gets worse and you cannot turn the wheel at all.
This is the joint which is necessary for your wheels to turn.
A failed boot will cause the joint to be exposed and will allow the elements to corrode or otherwise harm the joint.
Another name for this component is the CV boot.
Many people do not give the CV boot, or CV joint a second though until they cannot turn the car.
Some basic knowledge of the system will help you to save on costly repairs down the road.
If you look at the inside of the turning wheels of your car, you will notice a rod with a rubber component attached to it.
This is the drive axle boot.
There is one on either side of the car and it is what protects the CV joint.
It contains grease that protects the CV joint from the elements.
The main enemy of the CV joint is dirt.
If dirt gets into the CV joint, it can become hard, if not impossible to turn the wheel.
Once this happens, the entire CV joint and CV boot will need to be replaced.
This is something which can be avoided by some very simple precautions on your part.
One of the simplest ways you can make sure your drive axle boots are in good working order is to ask the mechanic to check them when you are getting an oil change.
Since the car is already elevated for the change, the wheel will be at eye level.
They will be able to very easily see if the rubber is degrading to the point of cracking or getting close to doing so.
What will take the mechanic a couple of minutes to perform will save you from a much more expensive labor cost later on down the road.
They should be able to tell you an estimate on how long you have until the boot wears out and will have to be replaced.
Replacing drive axle boots is something which has to happen occasionally.
The part is not exactly designed to wear out over time, but the nature of the part causes this to be the case.
Because the part is made out of rubber, and it is exposed to the elements, it will degrade over time.
There is no set amount of time for you to go between checking the CV boots.
If the mood strikes you, you are more than able to check them before every drive.
This is not necessary, but it will not hurt anything.
A better time period will be during the periodic oil changes you receive for your car.
This allows time to go by, but not enough that a problem can sneak up on you.
There are some warning signs about bad drive axle boots you can look out for.
The first thing you can watch for is oil spots where your front wheels are.
The grease inside the boots will leak out if there are cracks in the rubber.
Should you see this, you will want to inspect, or have your boots inspected at once.
You may also notice a clicking sound when you turn the wheel.
This is an indicator that the boot has already torn and that you may be having a problem with the CV joint.
You need to get your car in to the mechanic right away before the problem gets worse and you cannot turn the wheel at all.
Source...