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How to Check the Constant
Velocity Boots on Your Car
CV, or
constant velocity, boots are rubber boots that
cover and protect the CV joints on the axles of
front-wheel-drive cars. A torn CV boot is
relatively inexpensive to repair. Ignored, a
ripped CV boot will cause the CV joint to fail,
which is costly to repair.
Steps:
-
Determine whether your car is front- or
rear-wheel drive (see "Determine if Your
Car Is Front- or Rear-Wheel Drive" under
Related eHows).
-
Lie on your back and slide under the
front of the car as far as you can.
-
Using a flashlight or drop light, locate
the drive axles: They are metal shafts
that connect to the back of each wheel
from the transmission.
-
Visually inspect the rubber boots at
each end of both drive axles. You will
be inspecting a total of four boots.
-
Look for signs of wear and tear such as
rips or cracking.
-
Feel each boot for indication of leakage
- the boots hold thick grease that
lubricates the CV joints.
-
Call your mechanic and make an
appointment to replace any leaking or
torn CV boots.
Tips &
Warnings
-
A torn or ripped CV boot can destroy the
CV joint in a matter of days, especially
if the weather is wet. Putting off this
repair will cost you more in the long
run.
-
It is a waste of money to replace the CV
boot if the CV joint is already damaged.
Overall
Things You'll Need
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