The Average Cost for CV Boot Replacement Is $124 to $343 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance, such as CV axle replacement, may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Get a More Accurate Estimate for Your CV Boot Replacement Using RepairPal’s Fair Price Estimator:
Cost at the Mechanic: $298 to $343
Parts: $124
Labor: $174 to $219
If your CV boot is torn, you’ll want to get it replaced as soon as possible. Replacement can be a time-consuming process, so expect the service to take three to four hours depending on the extent of the repairs needed. CV boots are generally designed to last about 100,000 miles.
Cost To DIY: $124
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Parts Needed: CV Boot Kit
You can save a lot if you decide to DIY this particular repair, though the actual process is more difficult than many other common repairs. If you’re handy enough, you can get the job done, but if you find the notion of getting underneath your car intimidating, consider having a professional do the work for you.
You may also consider replacing the entire CV axle. Not only will fresh boots already be installed, but you’ll also know that the CV joints have not deteriorated while the damaged boot exposed them to the elements.
Keep in mind: CV boots vary by car model and axle brand. If you plan to replace the boot yourself, be sure to choose the right one to fit your vehicle. When in doubt, always refer to your owner’s manual.
What Is a CV Boot?
CV boots, or constant velocity boots, are coverings designed to protect the CV joints, which are flexible joints that connect the axle shaft to the transmission or differential and the wheel. The boots are ribbed, flexible, and made from rubber. They work to keep debris such as water and dirt out of the joints, using a special kind of grease and acting as a physical barrier.
What Does a CV Boot Replacement Include?
When you get your CV boot replaced, the job can be relatively simple or quite complicated, depending on the extent of the damage. At best, you simply have to replace the boot. If the boot has degraded over time, however, you might also have to replace the joint and, at worst, the entire axle shaft assembly.
If you’re having a shop do it, consider whether it will cost less for the labor to replace the boot alone, or to pay more for a complete axle and pay less labor to replace the whole thing. Request estimates for both options. If you’re replacing it yourself, consider which is more valuable to you, the money you’ll save by replacing the boot on your current axle, or the time you’ll save by replacing the axle. If your current axle is old or has high mileage, you may want to replace it regardless to avoid problems in the future.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a CV Boot Replacement?
If you don’t get a CV boot replacement when you need one, you’re going to be in for some trouble down the road. Without the protection of the boot, the joint will be subjected to all sorts of debris and damage. The grease that protects it will shoot away from the joint, thanks to the centrifugal force of the axle spinning while you’re driving.
With enough boot damage, your axle can begin to vibrate badly. Eventually, the CV joint can break, causing more damage to your car and leaving you stranded on the side of the road. A bad CV boot is something you’ll want to get addressed as soon as possible not only for safety concerns but also due to the threat it poses to other parts of your car. With more parts suffering down the line, the cost of getting your car back in working order could skyrocket.
How Often To Get a CV Boot Replacement
Every model is different, and you should consult your owner’s manual to see what it says about CV boots and maintenance schedules. CV boots are typically built to last at least 100,000-miles, though certain kinds of impacts and damage can occur at any time. Still, they’re so long-lasting that the owner’s manuals in most models don’t even mention them.
Typically, the only way to determine whether you need a CV boot replacement is to know what to look for and keep an eye out for the common signs of a faulty CV boot.
Common Symptoms You Need To Get a CV Boot Replacement
- Grease leak: You can often spot leaking grease inside the wheel and wheel off of the car as centrifugal force flings it out of a damaged boot.
- Clicking noise during turns: This indicates not only a faulty CV boot but also a failing CV joint.
- CV axle vibrations: You’ll likely feel the vibration while driving and hear it if the windows are down.
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with CV boot replacements:
- CV axle replacement
- CV joint replacement
- Ball joint replacement
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CV boot replacement is just one of many services your vehicle might require someday. Make sure your vehicle is getting the care it needs to stay in top shape for years to come.
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At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
