Obvious Signs (Easy to See):
* Visible Tear or Rip: The most obvious sign is a tear, crack, or hole in the rubber boot itself. Look carefully at the entire boot, especially around the clamps where it attaches to the CV joint. You might need a flashlight to get a good look.
* Grease/Lubricant Leakage: CV boots contain grease that lubricates the CV joint. If the boot is damaged, you'll see grease leaking out. It will often appear as a dark, greasy substance around the boot or even on the surrounding components. This is a strong indicator of a problem.
Less Obvious Signs (May Require More Investigation):
* Clicking or Popping Noise: This is a common sound when turning, especially at low speeds or when making sharp turns. The noise is caused by the CV joint being dry and lacking lubrication due to a damaged boot.
* Vibration: A bad CV joint (due to lack of lubrication from a torn boot) can cause vibrations felt through the steering wheel, floor, or seat. This is usually more pronounced at higher speeds.
* Difficulty Steering: While less common initially, eventually a severely damaged CV joint, lacking lubrication, might make steering feel difficult or heavier than usual.
How to check:
1. Visual Inspection: Jack up the front of your car (safely, using jack stands!), and carefully inspect both front CV boots. A flashlight is very helpful. Pay close attention to the entire boot, looking for cracks, tears, or grease leakage.
2. Feel for Grease: If you see no visible tears, carefully run your fingers around the boot. Feel for any unusual dampness or grease.
Important Note: If you suspect a bad CV boot, it's crucial to address it promptly. Driving with a damaged boot will allow the grease to escape, causing the CV joint to dry out and eventually fail. This can lead to more expensive repairs, including replacing the entire CV axle. A replacement boot is cheaper than replacing an entire axle.
