What causes a boot to crack?

Question

I have a 97 honda civic, which is only driven around town-- and not even very heavily. We just found out that, for the second time in just over a year, our front axle boot has cracked and now the whole axle needs replacing. I understand that it is not normal that we should be replacing axles on an annual basis... what could be causing the boot to keep cracking, and is there a way we can catch it before the whole axle needs replacing AGAIN?
We live in Cleveland, and moved here two years ago... the roads here are seriously the worst I have ever seen. Could it just be that the shelf life of one boot is one year of Cleveland roads?

Answer 1

Most damage to CV boots is caused by road hazards! All it takes is a sharp rock or a small peice of metal hitting the boot the wrong way, and a weak spot can develop. With the boot flexing, a weak area will fail!

With bad roads, you will have to keep a close eye on the axles!

Answer 2

you know your car has 2 axles and therefore 2 boots, maybe its not the same boot, 10 years out of an axle boot is pretty good, if indeed its not the new boot that split, then you should get another 10 years out of both boots when you fix it. don't go to a dealer to get it done. any parts place will carry this axle, and its not a hard job to replace it, any mechanic that's been in business a few years has probably done a dozen axle replacements from ripped boots, all front wheel drive cars have this problem.

Answer 3

Be sure to keep the boots treated to help maintain their flexibility. Once the boot cracks water and dirt get in and you are passed the point of no return that is why you should check them as often as possible. Improper installation can also result in a short life for the boots. Rocks and other debris that litters the road can be hitting the boots. CV joints and the boots can really turn out to be a pain because the axle has to come apart to replace the boot. There is a boot that is sold that you can put on yourself without removing the axle but they don't last as long.

Answer 4

This is just a guess:

1. Perhaps inferior replacement parts are being installed.
2. Salt is very corrosive to many parts of the car.
3. Axles & boots were not installed properly or damaged during installation.

Keeping constant vigilance on the boots should remedy the problem. Every oil change (3,000 miles) have the boots checked for cracks.

Replacing the axles every year is absolutely not normal.

Answer 5

Your quite right!! Most probably it was a bad idea on Honda's part (using a boot on an axle)...
I would call a Honda dealer near you and inquire at the parts dept. Be a "squeeky wheel" and maybe they'll help by replacing the boot with hopefully one that can handle the job.
Good Luck

Answer 6

first off when the boot was replaced was it a rubber booted that was replaced. because if you use a quick boot wich a lot of people use that is the cause they dont seal at all the grease gets pushed out and you end up needing a new one and also a new axel. make sure that it is an OEM replacement boot made of rubber this will stop the problem.

Answer 7

As you know, it's rubber, and it has to flex millions of times (once per revolution) to have any kind of life at all. So the worst thing in the world for it, I'm sure, is cold weather. I would certainly think Cleveland would have lots of that. Not right now, but it'll be Christmas before you know it.

Answer 8

well if the car has a little bit of miles on it then its normal. its just a wearable item on the vehicle. there is really nothing you can do to stop it from happening.