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Car Talk Tip: When you get your oil changed, ask your mechanic to check the condition of the CV boots when your car is up on the lift. It will take him less than a minute. The rubber cover that protects the drive axle joint is commonly known as the CV boot. Cracks or tears in the rubber can cause leaks and expose the CV joint to the elements. This is the inspection of the rubber cover that protects the drive axle joint. It's also known as the CV (constant velocity) boot, because the drive axle joint it covers is more commonly called the CV joint. Should I do this service when it's recommended? Yes. Why do I have to do this? The rubber boots degrade over time and can crack or tear open, which will expose the joint itself. Inspecting the boots will let you know right away if you have a problem, so you can replace them before damage is done to the more expensive CV joint. What happens if I don't do this? If the boots crack or tear open, then the grease that the boots hold in will leak out. The CV joint will then be exposed to dirt, moisture and road kill. Without the boot covering - and the grease it holds in - the joint will fail. Replacing the CV joint can cost hundreds of dollars, whereas replacing a boot costs a fraction of that amount.
Is there any maintenance required between intervals? No. But it certainly doesn't hurt to check the boots more frequently.
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