How to Replace a CV Boot

The Constant Velocity (CV) boots cover the CV joints and protect them from outside debris. They also keep the grease inside the joints for lubrication.

Usually, when CV joints are damaged, you will hear a “clicking” or “knocking” sound when making turns. This is a sign that the whole CV axle needs to be replaced. If no noise is present and only the CV boot is broken, you can replace just the CV boot.

  • Tip: Before you install a new axle, check the CV joints (even when the boot is broken) and see if they are worth saving. If you need to replace the CV axle completely, the new CV axle will come with the boots already installed.

Materials Needed

Part 1 of 4: Secure the vehicle and remove the wheel

Step 1: Engage the emergency brake. Ensure that your car is secured so that it doesn’t roll backwards when it is being lifted.

Step 2: Secure the rear wheels. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for extra security.

  • Tip: If you happen to be working by yourself, now would be a good time to loosen the lug nuts by 2 turns. Once the car is lifted, it would be harder to loosen the lug nuts.

Step 3: Lift up the vehicle. Locate the side that needs the replacement CV Boot and proceed to lift the vehicle. Every vehicle has jacking points in the underbody/body frame. You can lift the vehicle properly by using a hydraulic jack at these points.

  • Note: Lifting the car in a improper body frame location could damage the undercarriage so always ensure that you find the right jacking points.

safety stands on car

Step 4: Secure the vehicle with safety stands. Put the safety stands under the vehicle at the appropriate positions on the body frame to support the weight of the vehicle properly.

Remember to lift your vehicle as much as possible to give you the clearance needed to work under it.

  • Warning: Never work under any car or truck before having the safety stands in place.

Step 5: Remove the wheel. Use the lug nut wrench to remove the wheel. Ask someone to get inside the car and apply pressure on the brakes while you loosen the lug nuts.

Part 2 of 4: Remove the worn/broken CV boot

clamp removal

Step 1: Remove the metal clamps. Use the clamp cutters to remove the metal clamps. There is one clamp on each end of the rubber boot.

  • Tip: If you look closely, there will be grooves on the axle and CV joint area to specify where the boot and clamp hold down to.

Step 2: Cut off the old rubber boot. Once both clamps are removed, proceed to cut the old CV rubber boot with the box cutter or blade.

  • Tip: Always start to cut from the edge closest to you towards the opposite end. This is a safe way to avoid injuries.

Part 3 of 4: Clean the axle and joints

cleaning cv boot

Step 1: Prepare to clean the joints. Place a bucket underneath the area you will be cleaning to avoid staining floors.

Always wear gloves and safety goggles.

Step 2: Clean the axle and joints. Use the parts cleaner agent to remove the old grease and debris.

Use the rags or paper towels to eliminate any residue that is left. Discard the used towels/rags into bucket.

Part 4 of 4: Install the new CV boot kit

applying grease to boot

Step 1: Grease the joints. Grease packages are included with purchase of CV Boot Kit. Proceed to cut one tip off any end of the grease bag and apply it onto the areas. Apply new grease onto CV joints and part of the axle.

new boot installation kit

Step 2: Install the new boot. CV boots come with pre-cut grooves that you just need to open and install the boot over the axle area. Once it is over the axle area, apply the glue supplied with the boot kit and stick both ends of the boot together.

As soon as it dries up, the glue becomes as flexible as rubber.

Step 3: Grease the inside of the new CV boot. Try to fill the CV boot with as much grease as much as possible. This will prevent any future damage to the joint areas.

identification

Step 4: Move the new CV boot into place. Notice that the smaller end of the CV boot goes on the axle shaft area and the larger opening goes over the outer CV joints.

If you look closely enough, you will notice that there are grooves to indicate where the boot holds in place on both ends.

clamp installation

Step 5: Install the clamps. Once the CV boot is in place, proceed to install the metal clamps. Use the clamp pliers to hold them in place.

Now that everything is complete, proceed to re-install your tires, remove the safety stands and remember to disengage the emergency brake before driving.

If at any point you are unsure of any of the steps or if you have a newer, more complicated vehicle, one of our top-rated, mobile mechanics can perform a CV Boot change at your home or office.


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Mike

17 years of experience
17 reviews
Mike
17 years of experience
Volkswagen Eos L4-2.0L Turbo - CV Boot Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Las Vegas, Nevada
I found Mike to be an excellent mechanic and a very clean and professional person.I would use him again. Thank You Neil Sollinger

Luke

18 years of experience
322 reviews
Luke
18 years of experience
Nissan Sentra L4-1.8L - CV Boot Repair - Austin, Texas
Knowledgeable and professional. He will be the only one that works on my car!!! First time and I am so pleased. Thank you!

Mahdi

11 years of experience
94 reviews
Mahdi
11 years of experience
Volkswagen Passat L4-2.0L Turbo - CV Boot Replacement (Driver Side Front, Passenger Side Front) - Stone Mountain, Georgia
MY mechanic arrived promptly at 9:00am.He was friendly and professional. He answered my questions about the repair in a way that I could understand. He seemed knowledgeable and competent. He was also diligent, my appointment took several hours. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my family and friends.

Peter

13 years of experience
119 reviews
Peter
13 years of experience
Toyota Camry V6-3.5L - Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection - Oakley, California
Amazing job, well done. He did an inspection and provided details on the issues. He made sure i didnt have to replace unnecessary parts.

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Related questions

The axle is torn, how long can I drive it before getting it fixed?
The most common problem with the CV joints is when the protective boot cracks or gets damaged. Once this happens, the grease comes out and moisture and dirt get in, causing the CV joint to wear faster and eventually fail...
U-joint or CV shaft that is causing my vehicle to shake?
Hi there. The CV shaft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement) that has a CV boot broken can cause a shutter or shaking vibration throughout the vehicle. This is when the grease has gone completely out of the CV shaft and make the ball bearings...
Need to replace front left CV axle, do I need to replace the CV boot as well?
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