Preventative Actions (Unfortunately, limited once clicking starts):
* Regular Inspections: The best preventative action is regular inspection of your CV boots. Look for any cracks, tears, or bulges. Grease should be visible inside a healthy boot; if it's dry or leaking, you're already in trouble. This should be part of your routine vehicle maintenance.
* Addressing Leaks Immediately: If you notice a tear in a CV boot, get it repaired or replaced *immediately*. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur to the CV joint, leading to expensive repairs or replacement of the entire axle assembly. A temporary fix might be a CV boot repair kit, but a professional repair is more reliable in the long run.
* Proper Lubrication: While you can't directly lubricate a CV joint unless you're replacing the boot (which is risky if not done properly), ensuring your vehicle's regular maintenance includes checking and potentially topping up the grease within the CV joint can help, though this should only be done by a mechanic or if you have the necessary tools and expertise.
* Avoid Aggressive Driving: Harsh starts, sudden stops, and driving at high speeds over rough terrain put extra stress on CV joints, leading to premature wear. Smooth driving habits extend their lifespan.
What NOT to do:
* Ignore the clicking: The clicking noise is a warning sign. Ignoring it will only lead to more severe damage and a much more expensive repair later. Driving with a severely damaged CV joint can cause complete axle failure, leaving you stranded and potentially leading to a dangerous accident.
If you're hearing clicking: It's time to see a mechanic. They can diagnose the exact problem and recommend the appropriate repair, which may involve replacing the boot, the CV joint, or the entire axle shaft, depending on the extent of the damage. Delaying the repair will only increase the cost and risk.
