How do I tell if I need new cv joints?
 

Both of the boots on my inner cv's have ripped. I don't know how long they've been like that. How do I tell if I need a new cv joint? I would love to be able to just put a new boot on there, but I don't want it failing right away. Thanks,

Many ways to tell
 

An obvious way to tell is if they are popping when you drive. But ripped boots dont mean you need to replace the CV joint.

Take the shafts out and remove the bearings...And you might as well do them all because they are all going bad...the boots that is..

When you have the shafts out remove the CV joints and clean them. When all the grease is gone you can tell if you have any cracks, wear/rut marks, plating wear...etc.. it will become obvious if they need replacing.

If you boots are cracked then the CV joints need to be cleaned and regreased. Little rocks and crud and get up in there and cause them to wear out fast.

hope this helps...


Chris

Can anyone describe what a failing CV joint might sound like? I'm getting a funky sound from the rear driver side of my 02 boxster when I am coasting or decelerating and it's driving me nuts. I pulled the wheel off and checked for anything loose (or strange), but all looks good (even the CV joint boot).

Recalling my GTi days, I know FWD CV joints would click before they failed, but this does not have the same sound.

Could a Boxster joint make a different sound?

Kevin

That sound could be a wheel bearing, not a CV joint issue.

A failing CV joint would make noise, not just decellerating but also with quick jabs of the throttle. One way to check for "dryness" in a cv is:

Jack car up
Reach under and push the axle in towards the trans and out towards the hub.Should be "moist" or "soft". If you hear distinct metal on metal, you need to at least re-pack if not rebuild/replace. Also twisting the axle forward and backwards. Then compare right and left sides.

Either way, get under there and poke around. No use causing unecessary wear/damage.