Ask the NAPA Experts: How to Replace a CV Axle Boot

Honestly, CV boots are rarely a topic of discussion around automotive maintenance until something goes wrong. A torn CV boot seems like a minor issue at first, but if the situation is not remedied quickly, more damage will occur. A CV boot keeps lubricating grease from escaping the spinning CV joint. Without grease, the CV joint will wear out rapidly. CV boots also protect the CV joint from water, dirt and road debris. For an often-forgotten replacement part, the CV boot performs a pretty critical job. For even more technical insight, check out “What Is a Constant Velocity Joint?”

CV boots aren’t just for front-wheel-drive vehicles either. Any vehicle design that must transmit power to a wheel, while also allowing for suspension movement, might utilize a CV joint. For example, a late-model, rear-wheel-drive Ford Mustang has an independent rear suspension and two CV axles, each with two CV boots. A late-model, front-wheel-drive Honda Civic also has two CV axles and four CV boots. But, in comparison, an all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester has four CV axles and a total of eight CV boots. 

Is It Possible Fix a CV Boot?

If you’re searching for a how-to guide on replacing a damaged CV boot, you came to the right place. Let’s walk through a CV boot replacement with the help of some NAPA expertise. Keep in mind, a CV axle boot replacement is only for CV axles that are still in good shape. If your CV axle is clicking or the CV boot was damaged and leaking grease for an extended length of time, you need to replace the entire CV axle. 

Installing a new CV boot and applying new grease won’t fix an already damaged CV joint. Also, the labor to just replace a CV boot is nearly the same or greater than replacing the entire CV axle assembly. If the labor to replace a CV boot costs as much as a new or rebuilt CV axle, the smart choice is to replace the entire CV axle.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a CV Boot?

The time it takes for CV axle boot replacement varies by vehicle. Most of the labor time involves removing the CV axle from the vehicle. Budget at least an hour for the job if the CV axle is easy to remove or up to three hours if the vehicle is complicated. Cleaning the CV joint can take another 30 minutes as well. 

How to Replace a CV Boot

A typical CV boot repair kit includes a new CV boot, two CV boot clamps and grease. Replacing a CV boot requires lifting the vehicle off the ground for easier access to the underside. A repair shop or well-outfitted home mechanic will utilize a vehicle lift, while a DIYer can use something as simple as sturdy jack stands. Never use a floor jack to support a vehicle, as they can suddenly fail. 

1. Lift the vehicle off the ground. Use a wheel chock to prevent any wheels on the ground from rolling.
2. Remove the wheel on the axle that needs repaired.
3. Refer to a repair manual for what steps to follow to access the CV axle. You will likely need to remove the brakes and detach steering and/or suspension components, as well as the axle nut.
4. Remove the CV axle from the vehicle and place it on a workbench with plenty of working space.
5. Cut off the failed rubber CV boot. The metal CV boot clamps will likely require a pair of diagonal cutting pliers. Due to the potential mess caused by the CV joint grease, we recommend wearing a pair of disposable work gloves for this step.
6. Refer to your repair manual for how to remove the CV joint from the axle shaft. Note that inner and outer CV joints are possibly different and might require distinct methods of disassembly.
7. Clean the axle shaft to remove any old grease. Use a parts washer to clean the CV joint. Let the CV joint dry thoroughly.
8. If using non-split CV boot clamps, slide them over the axle shaft now. Slide the new CV boot onto the axle shaft, taking care to orient it correctly. The large cone opening should face the CV joint. You may need to use a small amount of silicone lubricant to help move the boot along the axle shaft. 
9. Refer to your repair manual to  lubricate the CV joint  using the correct specified grease.
10. Refer to your repair manual to reinstall the CV joint onto the end of the axle shaft.
11. Slide the CV boot over the CV joint, making sure it is seated evenly.
12. Using the correct clamp tool, tighten both CV boot clamps.
13. Reinstall the CV axle along with any components that were removed to access the CV axle. Pay attention to torque specifications during reassembly.
14. Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the correct specifications. 
15. Lower the vehicle back to the ground. 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a CV Boot?

CV boot replacement cost can range from $300 to $900 depending on the vehicle. It is wise to price out replacement of the entire CV axle as well. In some cases, it is smarter to spend a little more money to replace the entire CV axle rather than spend time changing just a CV boot. Check out the NAPA Auto Care Repair Estimator for a better estimate of what this repair would cost for your vehicle (if applicable).

Now that you know the typical steps of how to replace a CV boot, you can decide if this repair is something you can tackle yourself. Your local NAPA Auto Parts store can help you find the right CV axle boot repair kit for your application. You can also shop NAPAonline for Free One-Day Shipping on more than 160,000 items! Don’t feel like doing it yourself or don’t have the time? The ASE-certified technicians at your local NAPA Auto Care center have you covered with more than 17,000 locations nationwide.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.