Is it ok to drive without CV boots on 96 Honda Accord?

Question

I have a 96 Honda Accord Ex. My mechanic told me my front CV boots were gone but I could still drive it without problems until I hear my axles clicking while I am turning.

I was wondering how does driving without CV boots affect overall driving and performance?

On a related note, I am taking a 600 mile road trip in a few weeks. What kind of things should I do to my car to prepare it?

Answer 1

CV boots keep dust and gunk out of the axle connections to the wheel. Your mechanic is correct but, depending on the dust in the area and your driving speeds, you'll be looking at a MUCH bigger repair bill soon.

Driving with no CV boots = need new axles

Answer 2

Yup you can drive it but it will drastically cut the life of your CV joints and if the boots are gone than the CV joints most likely are not far behind. No it does not affect performance. Get the boots if you can afford it or the cost will be double to triple down the road.

With regard to preparing for a road trip? Just check all your fluids, belts, tires (don’t forget the spare) and so forth replace or repair if need be. If it’s been a while since you had an oil change might as well do that, tire rotation wont hurt either.

Answer 3

I had the same problem with my 1997 honda accord, the CV boot only costs around $25 at TNT Auto parts, Labor $60 you are looking at $85, but if you want to pay more later when you damage the axles go ahead and keep driving like that, I wouldn't wait that long, i was able to drive the car for two days and couldn't stand the noise it was doing when turning.

Answer 4

gone meaning it has torn and needs to be replaced get them replaced now as they cv should last a lot longer with new grease supled with cv boot he is trying to make monay out of you go somewhere else and get it do
long trip oil change and check the battery and brakes ant then after the trip give a big service like all oils and fluids eg gbox auto clutch oil antirfreese all oils and fuel filter after long trip best time to do it

Answer 5

When you hear the clicking - its too late. The CV joints are damaged. New, re-manufactured or re-built are in order.

Answer 6

get the boots replaces asap,otherwise you will be replacing the entire axleshaft.if your hear clicking now its already too late and will need to replace them.as for car prep, i would change the oil,change the sparkplugs,check and replace the air filter if needed.you may also want to check out your fuel filter

Answer 7

the boots keep al the dirt out so they last longer best to put new ones on now before they go

Answer 8

the boots hold grease which lubricate the cv joint. without the boots you axel joints will turning at a high velocity without any lubrication and will most likely break. when they break you lose control of the car. please don't attempt this!!!!!

Answer 9

Go for it.Just make sure you have a tow truck follow you.....