Must the CV joint boot be replaced if it is broken?

[DiBrandon]

CV joint boot must be replaced if it is broken. After the CV joint boot is damaged, the grease inside the CV joint will be thrown out, and dust and dirt will enter the bearing of the CV joint, causing abnormal wear of the CV joint, and even causing the CV joint to seize. Related introduction of CV joint boot: 1. Material: The material used is thermoplastic elastomer, also known as thermoplastic rubber, which is a polymer alloy material between rubber and thermoplastic plastic, with the dual characteristics of rubber and plastic. 2. Function: The function of the CV joint boot is to wrap the grease, preventing it from flowing outside and keeping it inside the CV joint. Once the grease inside the CV joint is insufficient, it will cause excessive wear of the CV joint and premature damage. Repair requires replacement of the CV joint, which is relatively expensive. Therefore, once the CV joint boot is found to be broken or leaking oil, it must be replaced in time.

[MacDamian]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen many cases where people don't replace torn CV joint boots. That thing absolutely needs replacement when damaged. Don't underestimate this small rubber cover - its job is to seal the CV joint, keeping out dust and muddy water. If left unreplaced, sand and dirt will grind away at the internal metal components, leading to CV joint failure. This can cause unstable steering, clicking noises from the drive shaft, or even complete breakage. The deterioration accelerates especially when driving on dirt roads or in rainy conditions. Repair costs skyrocket - while a boot replacement costs 100-200 yuan, a failed CV joint requires replacing the entire assembly starting from several thousand yuan. Safety comes first - don't delay, get it fixed immediately when torn to save big money and reduce risks. By the way, make it a habit to inspect rubber components around the tires during regular car washes for early detection and treatment.

[Rudy]

My car has clocked over 100,000 miles, so I’ll share some practical advice. If the CV joint boot is torn, replace it immediately—no hesitation. Once it’s damaged, dust gets into the joint, gradually degrading the grease and causing the CV joint to wear out. The consequences? You’ll feel jerking during turns or acceleration, and in severe cases, power transmission may fail—dangerous! Replacing the boot is cheap and quick, costing just a few hundred for parts and labor. Not replacing it? A failed CV joint means major repairs, easily running into thousands. A friend learned this the hard way—wasted money and travel delays. My tip: Inspect near the wheels monthly. If the boot feels unusually soft or damaged, get it fixed. Safety and savings guaranteed.

[DelTheo]

From a safety perspective, a torn CV joint boot must be replaced. It serves as the critical barrier protecting the CV joint. Once damaged, dust can enter, grease leaks out, and components wear out rapidly. This may lead to steering failure or power abnormalities, posing particularly high risks during high-speed driving or sharp turns. Address it immediately upon discovery—visit a professional shop for replacement without delay. Don't penny-pinch and invite disaster. Maintenance is simple and inexpensive; prevention outweighs cure.