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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
Honda Accord, Worn CV Boots?
Q: What are the symptoms
of a worn CV Boot on a Honda Accord? Is there some warning sign or noise?
How serious is it to drive a vehicle with a worn CV Boot(s)?
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Chris M.
A:
I could not say that there is a symptom (sound, noise or vibration) that
I could put with a worn CV boot. You really dont know there is a
problem until the boot breaks/fails. A CV boot is a rubber cover that
is used to hold and seal in grease for lubricating the CV joint and to
prevent dirt and water from entering the CV joint. Because the CV boot
is a rubber type product, it is prone to failure over time. Often, you
can see cracks forming in the rubber of the boot. Once the boot breaks
the grease for the CV joint spills out and dirt and water can enter the
CV joint. The CV joint is a very precisely machined component. Water and
dirt entering the CV joint will cause it to fail. It does not take long
for the dirty work to happen and once the damage starts there is no going
back. The CV joint will have to be replaced. Sometimes, you can hear a
CV boot slap once it breaks, but it most cases there is no warning that
the boot has failed. We usually, see the customer after the CV joint has
been damaged. A damaged CV joint often starts clicking as the steering
is turned and the vehicle is moving. If ignored the click will become
a snap and then the CV joint fails completely. Ask your technician to
show you the CV boots when your vehicle is up on the lift. CV boots are
one of those you have to see it type things to really understand.
If there are cracks in the CV boots have the boots serviced/replaced before
other components are damaged.
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