Just had an MOT which my car failed cos both the front CV joints were split. It cost loads in labour to get fixed and just wondering if there is anything I can do to make sure I look after the new ones! I dont wanna be lumbered with this bill again soon! Is it just one of those things due to wear? Or is there something that makes them split? I am completely dense when it comes to cars so please help!
2007-02-22 09:29:20 · 14 answers · asked by kercoks 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
CV joints are vulnerable to harsh acceleration while lock is on. Also the boots that keep them clean perish and the dirt damages them. It's much cheaper to replace the boots than the joints.
2007-02-22 09:33:36 · answer #1 · answered by Finbarr D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It'd be the rubber boots over the CVJs that split, rather than the joints themselves.
The reason it fails the MoT is because an unprotected joint can fail suddenly and cause a disaster.
Rubber does deteriorate with age, heat, road debris etc, it's a shame that something as simple as a rubber boot needs fairly hefty mechanical work to replace, but there you are. If you're pedantic about washing 'em off and spraying with a silicon spray, that might help prolong the life.
2007-02-22 21:57:47 · answer #2 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be fair, CV joints very rarely fail on their own. The should go at least 100000 miles. Nine times out of ten it's because the rubber gaiter has split and muck has got into the joint itself. The grease and dirt combine to make an abrasive paste and it's this that knackers them by grinding all the surfaces down and generating slop.
All you need to do is make sure these gaiters (the black rubber concertina boots that cover them) are in good condition and are greased well internally.
2007-02-22 23:24:57 · answer #3 · answered by Steven N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a vast amount you can do, the joint covers are a wearing part. If you can avoid frequent use of full lock it should help. Regular inspections can help as a small split can have a new rubber fitted fairly easily, but if you let it run on the whole joint has to be replaced
2007-02-24 20:44:24 · answer #4 · answered by The original Peter G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you mean the actual constant-velocity joint, Or the rubber protective boot that covers it (I have NEVER heard of a CVJ "splitting") If the rubber boot splits it allows the thick lubricant to escape, and makes the large bearings "Clack" when on full lock. A bit more info would help.
2007-02-22 09:46:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey dude, your cv joint is a metal knuckle with a rubber boot over it. all you can do is make sure the boot isn't cracked and that there is some grease in it. you could check every so often.dirt getting inside will skrew it up. these parts do wear after time as they are constantly moving and under emense presure.
2007-02-22 12:10:49 · answer #6 · answered by MARK w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A: CV gaiters do split..
B they cost around 4 quid a pair...
C: they get damaged thrashing over speed humps...
D find another garage...
2007-02-22 09:46:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it failed on the joints then this is due to the rubber gaiter failing and not protecting it fron dirt ingress
have the rubber gaiters checked more regular about every six months is about right
2007-02-22 17:29:55 · answer #8 · answered by witheringtonkeith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CV boots with just normal wear and tear
2007-02-24 06:00:18 · answer #9 · answered by Mick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eventually they will split. its the nature of the beast. you can periodically spray them with silicone and supposedly they will last longer. figure on about ten years or 100k miles and they need replacing. dont forget to have your timing belt/water pump changed according to your maintenance schedule. it will cost u up to 500 bucks but it may mean your engine isnt damaged. you will have to translate from american to british english on your own. lol
2007-02-22 09:41:07 · answer #10 · answered by robert s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋