What’s a CV Boot?

On front and all-wheel drive cars, the axle shafts are what connect the transmission with the wheels, driving the vehicle along. The axles must flex, allowing the suspension to move up and down and the front wheels to turn right and left, while at the same time transmitting the driving force from the engine to the wheels.

Drive Axle

Drive Axle Diagram

CV Boot

A Broken CV Boot

The part that simultaneously enables the axle to flex while transmitting the driving force is called a drive axle joint, and is also known as a constant velocity (or CV) joint. The CV Boot is a ribbed, rubber flexible boot that keeps water and dirt out of the joint and the special grease inside the joint. Pictured here is a view of a front, outer CV boot that has torn open.

The greasy mass inside is the actual joint itself. If the car is driven in this condition, the exposed grease is quickly slung out by centrifugal force as the axle rotates, and the joint subsequently becomes contaminated with sand, dirt, rocks, and water, rapidly wearing the joint components. Excessive wear may necessitate replacement of the entire axle shaft assembly, a much more expensive proposition than replacing the boot itself.

Categories:

Learning Zone

Fire Update - We Are Moving!


Thankful Thursdays Introduction


Wellness: Our Top Priority


40 Weeks of Paying It Forward


ADAS Systems.... Going to Take Some Getting Used To!


New Year, New Look, New Brand... New Everything!...


Holiday Update


T.A.P. (Teacher Appreciation Program) Announcement!


“Are We There Yet?” Season is Almost Here!


Spring Car Care Tips!


What the heck is Variable Valve Timing?


Airbag Recall – Questions, Answers and Updates


Decoding your Dashboard


Blue Seal of Excellence


The Right Part for the Job


Inside the Tech: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)


Inside the Tech: Lane Departure Warning


Greg’s Take: Things Break!


Greg’s Take: Nationwide Technician Shortage


Squeezing a few extra MPG from your car!


Caliper Slide Pin Boot – What is it?


Traction Control Systems


What’s a Timing Belt?


What’s a CV Boot?


Where the Rubber Meets the Road – Check your Tires!


Oil Light? Stop Right Now!


Client Spotlight – Aviation Author


What’s a Catalytic Converter?


Client Spotlight – Champion Irish Dancer


“Gregsplanation” – What’s a Cabin HEPA Filter?


Keep Your Car Looking Like New


“Gregsplanation” – Why does water drip from my car on hot days?


What does VTEC mean?


200,000 Miles and Counting


The 2016 Civic is Here… And it looks amazing!


Motor Works: Ethics Certified!


Vehicle Wiring is Tasty… to Rodents!


Rock Stars in and out of the shop!


The Value of Maintenance – 334,000 Miles and Still Going Strong!


Foggy Headlights? Restore instead of replace!


Wheel Alignment 101


Veterans Day 2015


Colder weather could trigger Tire Pressure (TPMS) Warning Light


Get Your Car Ready for Fall!


Motor Works Featured in “Remarkable Results”


Car Optometry – Aiming the Honda LaneWatch System


Differential? What’s That?


Odd Fix of the Day – Sienna Brake Lights


When should I change my oil?


Check Engine Light On? We Can Fix It!


Famous? MWI featured in Shop Owner Magazine


Video: Consumer Compass


Honda and Toyota products definitely hold their value over time. Smart!


Prevention is Primary: Radiator Hose


Prevention is Primary: Maintenance Schedules – Confused?


Use our Diagnostic Worksheets


MWI Consumer Checkbook Top Quality Rated…Again!


Video: AARP Modern Maturity – 1985 TV show Clip at MWI


Video: He Did it for Love – Technician buys car for his mother!

Motor Works is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Motor Works (301) 424-2800 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.