Automotive Q & A

Answer:

CV joints can last from 70,000 to 130,000 miles, sometimes more, but technicians recommend that they be inspected periodically. Your CV joint is composed of six steel balls that roll along grooves in a rotating ball-and-socket joint plus a steel cage, which holds the balls in place and moves as the balls roll along the grooves. With all of these moving parts within the CV joint, it’s required to have a rubber boot to cover the joint and keep the joint’s grease clean.

Over time, these boots can wear and crack. If the boot does crack, the CV joint will be exposed to wet roads and other debris. The joint will also lose its lubricating grease, which will further damage the joint’s moving parts.

CV joint boots are visible under your vehicle and are easy to inspect. If they look worn or torn in any way, have them replaced. This can extend the life of your CV joint. You can also watch for any noises or vibrations coming from your front suspension or a loss of acceleration when you are turning. If you experience either of these things, you may have a problem with your CV joint, and you should have it inspected and replaced if necessary.