Why Do CV Joint Boots Destroy Themselves!!!

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Ozone destroys the rubber boots, lets dirt in and then destroys the half shafts. I spray protectant on them when I remember while doing the oil changes. Never had one tear yet.


What protectant?



Anything on hand such as Armor all, tire spray foam - whatever. I am not saying that this is the cure all, but I've never had any tear open or go bad either.

 

[ltslimjim]

I believe that improper installation of the boots on the reman may be a primary culprit hard to track down. So, does the mechanic or person buying a reman joint remove/inspect/repack grease into each boot on the CVs to spec or go just throw them on and hope for the best?

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
I believe that improper installation of the boots on the reman may be a primary culprit hard to track down. So, does the mechanic or person buying a reman joint remove/inspect/repack grease into each boot on the CVs to spec or go just throw them on and hope for the best?


You know the answer, LOL! They just install them as is and I bet that there is minimal grease installed in them from the part maker.

 

[ltslimjim]

^I agree. It's like, do the reman companies claims even matter anymore? Packed with moly grease! etc...come on, will someone do it right?

 

[rslifkin]

I just had my first CV boot on the Jeep go a few months ago, cracked from age. Threw in a reman shaft (shafts are cheap for this thing, so it's worth the greatly reduced effort and new joint, and by most accounts, the NAPA reman joints hold up as well as stock), and she's good to go. The other side is getting a bit weather cracked, so I'll change that one out in a few months.

 

[Hootbro]

CV boots on my Accord with 187K is holding up. Can tell the CV joint is getting a little worn though.

 

[ltslimjim]

Okay, so I go by the shop today and here is how it went down:

We(the shop) can't warranty the reman part until the CVs make noise.

...well, maybe I'm just imagining things. The sound has been present for 2 months and coincides with the passenger side boot being collapsed and the driver side boot having a gash.

The shop argued that this is from road debris, apparently, and couldn't be from reman boot installation(it comes as a complete unit ready to be placed on)...

So, it sounds like they'll wait until it's out of warranty and not try to go through the 'hassle' of fighting with the reman company over how the boots 'appear'(oh, they didnt fail because of our part) and the debate over the joints failing due to road hazard causing the boot to be punctured, whereas I suppose it's all fine and dandy on the passenger side(hey, collapsed boots happen, right?)...so, unless the reman joints are completely shot you can't get warranty? Ugh!



Wow, this really makes me just want to learn how to replace each one myself.

 

[Hootbro]

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
.....................


Wow, this really makes me just want to learn how to replace each one myself.


It is not that hard and any special tools for the job can be had at AutoZone for free (loaned).

 

[Hokiefyd]

I would think that anything with petroleum in it (like Armor All) would speed the degredation of the rubber boot. I've never had to replace CV boots either, though I may have to on the MDX in a few years. All of them look like they have about double the miles that they really do (close to 70k).

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: Hootbro
Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
.....................


Wow, this really makes me just want to learn how to replace each one myself.


It is not that hard and any special tools for the job can be had at AutoZone for free (loaned).


I'll do my research and probably go this route. I can spend about $125-$275 for parts(reman to new) instead of paying a shop $400+ for reman only and to run into this problem a year later.

 

[artificialist]

In Florida, modern CV boots last at least 8 years, except for a few weird situations. That is because road salt is bad for them.

Back in the 1980s, however, I don't know of a single car that had good CV joints.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
Okay, so I go by the shop today and here is how it went down:

We(the shop) can't warranty the reman part until the CVs make noise.

...well, maybe I'm just imagining things. The sound has been present for 2 months and coincides with the passenger side boot being collapsed and the driver side boot having a gash.

The shop argued that this is from road debris, apparently, and couldn't be from reman boot installation(it comes as a complete unit ready to be placed on)...

So, it sounds like they'll wait until it's out of warranty and not try to go through the 'hassle' of fighting with the reman company over how the boots 'appear'(oh, they didnt fail because of our part) and the debate over the joints failing due to road hazard causing the boot to be punctured, whereas I suppose it's all fine and dandy on the passenger side(hey, collapsed boots happen, right?)...so, unless the reman joints are completely shot you can't get warranty? Ugh!



Wow, this really makes me just want to learn how to replace each one myself.

Maybe just dump some sand in them and come back the next day... Say you've been on some dirt roads... Shops like that make me want to throw the old parts through their window.
I had a "mechanic" who must've been sabotaging the boots on an old sentra, as it went through 3 left side outer boots in a few years. I just quit going to him after the last one. The ones on the Neon are original except for one of the outer boots. You can feel that they have hardened up a bit but they're still hold the grease in.

 

[ltslimjim]

^I mean for realz, people. The warranty won't cost this shop a dime. I was going to repay them the SAME labor for this job done 15 months ago, if they'd just fight for their customer with the reman company! So, now they don't get my business again. I felt disrespected because of my age quite frankly. This kid doesn't know anything routine.

There...now I feel better. Thank you for enduring with me folks.

 

[Loobed]

The #1 cause of a boot self destructing is oil or CV grease getting on the boots and weakening them. Keep them clean on the outside. If you buy rebuilt or new axles, you have no idea if the assembler got grease on the boots.

 

[Quest]

IMHO CV boots self-destruction has more to do with improper handling (cracks/cuts/nicks on boots) and improper installation, or even wrong boot parts would wreak havoc on an otherwise proper installation.

short term failures are pretty much limited to mishandling/wrong installation.

boots that fail after certain many years of service are mainly due to deterioration caused by (a ) disintegration of boot due to hydrocarbon-based lubricant and heat, and (b ) ground ozone.

Both (a ) and (b ) may be minimised but cannot be eradicated (esp. point (a ).

Those who squirt Armourall on CV-boots take notice: don't waste your time (been there, done that, does absolutely nothing in preserving/extending the life of the boot.

Q.

 

[Hootbro]

Only thing you should wipe down CV boots with is silicone spray

 

[Viggen]

Originally Posted By: Hootbro
Only thing you should wipe down CV boots with is silicone spray


Yeah but doesn't silicone spray have petroleum distillates in the propellant?