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Summary
  • CV boots are located on the inner and outer ends of the drive shafts, where they connect the transmission to the wheels. They are common on front-wheel-drive axles and on rear shafts in all-wheel drive and some rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
  • They protect the CV joints by sealing out dirt, water, and debris. They preserve smooth, constant-velocity rotation and are usually made of flexible, durable rubber.
  • They are accessible only from the undercarriage and require lifting and securing the vehicle. Inspection or replacement typically involves disconnecting the spindle and strut, removing the axle nut, and using a puller to free the splined joint; a torn boot often leads to replacing the entire CV axle.

The CV boots are typically located on the ends of a vehicle’s drive shaft/axles. They’re on both the inner and outer drive shafts, connecting the transmission to the wheels.

CV boots on the inner and outer ends of the drive axles, sealing the CV joints between the transmission and wheel hubs. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

CV boots are often found on front-wheel-drive axle shafts and rear-wheel shafts in all-wheel drive and some rear-wheel drive vehicles.

The CV boots protect the vehicle’s CV joints, which connect the axles to the wheels and allow for smooth, constant-velocity rotation. They keep dirt, water, debris, and other contaminants from damaging or corroding the CV joints. They’re usually made of flexible, durable rubber.

A busted boot (see photo) spells trouble for the CV joint, but most of the time, the entire CV axle will be replaced rather than just replacing the boot. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tips on How to Access the CV Boots

The CV boots can only be accessed through the vehicle’s undercarriage. If you need to inspect or replace them, you’ll need to lift your vehicle with jack stands and keep it still with wheel chocks and the spindle and strut will need to be disconnected.

The big nut on the end of the CV axle where it goes through the hub will need to be removed and you may need a puller to force the splined CV joint out of the wheel hub.

It’s a pretty big job. Even bigger if you haven’t done it before, so be advised.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.