Comments on: How to Check the Constant Velocity Boots on Your Car

on 1/25/2006 I recently found that both front CV boots on my 4X4 had split (that is, opened up, they had not left the car). For how long I do not know, but there was not yet that knocking sound when I would turn corners. That knocking, or loud clicking, sound when turning indicates imminent failure of the joint. You do not want that to happen. I went to my mechanic for new boots. Wow. Big bucks. Instead of putting boots on questionable joints, he installed two new complete front drive axles at quite a lower price. Please consider this instead of replacement boots. Happy motoring.

on 11/22/2005 If you notice a rotten egg smell from your car after you drive, it's usually an exhaust problem. But if you've checked that out, look at your CV boot as it may be torn and spewing grease all over the underside of your car. The grease can get onto the Catalytic Converter (a part of the exhaust system which gets really hot, especially at highway speeds) and burn, which makes the rotten egg smell. This happened to me and even after I replaced the joint and boot and cleaned the underside and converter, the smell was still slightly there. I had to get a citrus-degreaser (the chemical kind didn't work for some reason) and scrub down the converter. It worked great. Instead of eggs, it now smells like oranges!

on 11/22/2005 At each regular check, spray the CV joint booths with a silicone spray (suitable for rubber). Don't operate the vehicle for 20 minutes or the spray will be thrown off by centrifugal forces. So give it time to do its job. It will keep the rubber from getting hard and cracking. There is also a booth which you can buy in two halves which glues and screws together, which makes for a less costly repair.