What Are Car CV Boots?

A car that makes knocking noises on sharp turns may have a bad CV boot.

CV boots play an important role in keeping a motor vehicle's CV joints in good working order. A torn CV boot can cause serious damage to these drive shaft components.

Definition

The AutoAnything website describes a CV boot as a protective covering that attaches to a constant velocity (CV) joint on a car or truck's drive shaft.

Function

The CV boot protects the CV joint from wear by keeping it clean and packed with grease, according to AutoAnything.

Problems

The CV boots must fit over the CV joints correctly, with no rips or tears. AutoAnything warns that dirt or moisture can enter a ripped CV boot and cause deterioration in the joint.

Trouble Signs

If the vehicle makes a regular clicking sound during sharp turns, the CV boot may have ripped or torn, causing wear to the CV joint. Vibration indicates that a torn CV boot has caused grease to leak from the joint.

Repair

Samarins.com states that if the damaged CV boot has not yet destroyed the CV joint, the joint may simply need new grease and a new CV boot. More serious cases require replacement of both joint and boot.

References

• AutoAnything: CV Joints and CV Boots
• Samarins: CV joint

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish