How to Check Axle Boots

Car maintenance can be quite costly if you don't catch pending repairs in their initial stages. Axle boots protect the moving parts inside the axle and keep them well lubricated. If the axle boots are no longer good and there is damage to the axle, then you are in for a pricey repair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean rag
• Flashlight

1. Locate the inner and outer axle boot on each wheel. The outer axle boot covers the axle as it connects right into the wheel. The inner axle boot covers the axle as it connects with the steering mechanism. Simply look along the axle and they will be easy to find.

2. Visually inspect them with a flashlight. Normal wear and tear will certainly occur over time. You are looking for cracking or brittleness in the boots. Be sure to look closely in the folds of the boot, as cracks can occur in between them as well. At that point, you need to replace them.

3. Wipe along the axle boots of your car with a clean cloth. The other major thing that can go wrong with the axle boot is that it is leaking lubrication. This means that the seal has been broken. Wipe along the axle boot to see if you are getting leakage. If so, then you need to replace the boot.

4. Repeat this process with the other 6 axle boots on the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Next time you bring your car in for an oil change have the mechanic check the axle boots. Since it's already up on the lift, it will be easy for them to do.

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