If you want to save, fix CV boots quickly

Dear Tom and Ray: I have a 1996 Mazda Protege, and I have at least one cracked CV boot. Right now, I hear a clicking sound when I turn the wheel in one direction. My question is: If I don't replace the boot, what are the consequences?Emil

Ray: Well, you'll start to hear a clicking sound when you turn the wheel in one direction, Emil.

Tom: That means the damage has already gone beyond the protective boot and into the CV joint itself. So it's actually too late to replace the boot now, Emil.

Ray: The boot covers the CV joint and keeps it packed with grease. When the boot tears, the grease gets out, and dirt, grime and small woodland creatures get in. Then the joint fails. That's the stage you're at now. So your question should be: What happens if I don't replace the joint?

Tom: Good question! If you don't replace the joint (actually, the whole axle is usually replaced), it'll start clicking when you turn in both directions. And soon after that, it'll fail altogether and leave you stranded by the side of the road.

Ray: But no further damage will be done to the car when that breaks. Of course, at that point, you won't be able to accelerate at all, which could be inconvenient if you happen to be crossing railroad tracks with an Amtrak Acela bearing down on you.

Tom: So, our advice would be to fix it now, and get on with your life. And while you're having it done, have your mechanic check your other boots for damage.

Ray: We wrote a booklet called "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It." One of the things we mention is checking your CV boots. If you catch a tear in the boot BEFORE the joint is damaged, you can replace the boot and be out of the woods for about a hundred bucks. If you wait until you hear clicking -- like you did, Emil -- the bill will be several hundred.

If it ain't broke, you won't have to fix it! Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" Send $4.50 (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, Fla. 32853-6475.

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