How Much Does CV Boot Replacement Cost?

Last Updated on February 7, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

CV (constant velocity) boot replacement is an important maintenance task that keeps your vehicle’s axles in good working order. But how much does it actually cost to have this repair done?

The price can vary quite a bit depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the parts you choose, and who performs the work. This article breaks down the typical CV boot replacement cost and the key factors that affect it.

The CV boot is a rubber or plastic cover that encloses the CV joint, an important mechanical component that connects the axle to the wheels. The boot keeps lubricating grease around the joint and prevents contaminants from getting in.

When the boot tears or cracks, grease can leak out leading to accelerated wear and eventual failure of the CV joint. Replacing the boot before damage spreads is vital to protect the axle and steering components.

Highlights

• Plan on paying $350 to $950 for professional CV boot replacement, with labor accounting for most of the cost.
• Many factors like vehicle model and part choices affect the total price. Luxury cars tend to cost more.
• Additional charges can stem from parts like a needed wheel alignment. Catching leaks early prevents bigger issues.
• Warranties and insurance rarely cover CV boot failure, making this an out-of-pocket expense.
• Finding an experienced quality mechanic prevents the need for premature repairs. Get estimates in advance.
• Doing it yourself can save substantially on labor costs but requires skills and added effort.

How Much Does CV Boot Replacement Cost?

The total bill for a CV boot replacement will generally fall in the range of $350 to $950 in parts and labor, but prices for specific vehicles can be below or above that.

Labor costs make up the bulk of the price, with mechanics charging between $150 and $400 for CV boot installation on most passenger cars and light trucks. This can take 1-3 hours depending on the vehicle.

The parts cost for a new CV boot kit will typically be between $100 and $300. This includes the rubber boot, clamp rings, and fresh grease.

Prices tend to be on the lower end for common economy cars like the Toyota Corolla, which could average $400 to $550 for the repair. Meanwhile luxury and performance models like a BMW M3 often exceed $700 to $900 due to more complex labor.

There’s also a choice between OEM boots from the dealer costing $150 to $250 versus aftermarket parts at $50 to $150. OEM boots are molded to precisely fit your vehicle but aftermarket boots work fine in most applications.

RepairPal, for example, writes that the average cost to replace a CV Boot is between $328 and $374. Labor costs are estimated between $178 and $225 while parts are typically priced around $150.

According to Car Talk, the price to replace a CV joint is likely to run in the range of $900 to $1,200 for mainstream affordable vehicles. For pricey European luxury or sports models, the cost may be double. Using a dealer instead of a local mechanic may increase the price by about 40%.

AutoZone mentions that replacement axle shafts for axle replacement jobs cost between $60-150.00 each, and labor is generally between 1.5-3 hours to replace, bringing labor to around $150-350.00.

A Reddit user reported that the ball joint itself is $150-$200 from the dealer, with about $400 in labor, totaling to 3-4 hours of labor at $100-$150 per hour.

An FJCruiserForums user mentioned that $470 is a fair price for the job at a reputable shop for replacing the left front CV Boot.

Factors Influencing CV Boot Replacement Cost

Several factors contribute to the final charge for having your bad CV boots replaced:

• Labor time – The make and model of the vehicle determines how straightforward or intricate it is to access, remove, and install the CV axle boot. Quick and easy jobs cost less.
• Part pricing – OEM boots are generally more expensive than aftermarket equivalents from auto parts stores. Complex designs can drive up costs.
• Vehicle drivetrain – Front-wheel drive models with transverse mounted engines tend to be simpler than rear-wheel drive with longitudinal engines.
• Repair shop rates – Labor charges per hour will vary between mechanics based on expertise and shop overhead.

Additional Costs to Consider

Replacing a damaged CV boot can potentially lead to some extra repair fees:

• A new wheel alignment will often be needed after working on the axle, adding $100 to $200.
• If the joint was severely contaminated, the axle or CV joint may also require repair or replacement at added cost.
• Extended grease leakage can damage brakes, bearings, and other components, requiring additional repairs.

You might also like our articles about the cost of wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and flywheel replacement.

Insurance and Warranty Coverage

CV boot replacement will typically be covered if your car is still under its powertrain warranty, which is 5 years/60,000 miles for most new vehicles.

Outside of warranty coverage, most standard insurance policies do not cover CV boot failure or its resulting repairs. So without warranty protection, the cost will be entirely out-of-pocket.

Choosing the Right Service Provider

Having the right automotive shop or mechanic handle your CV boot replacement is essential. Make sure to find an experienced professional you can trust to perform a lasting quality repair at a competitive labor rate. Get a detailed written estimate upfront and clarify what is covered.

Dealerships often excel in repairs specific to your vehicle make but tend to be more expensive. Independent shops can offer greater value through lower labor rates without sacrificing workmanship.

Ask around for mechanic recommendations from friends, check online reviews, and consider a few estimates before choosing where to go.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Some auto enthusiasts opt to save money by replacing their CV boots themselves. This is possible with some mechanical skill and the right tools, but also comes with increased risk.

The parts cost for a DIY boot kit will be $80 to $250. But lacking a shop’s specialty tools and experience, the DIY job can take 4-8 hours for the home mechanic. There’s also greater risk of improper installation or further vehicle damage.

Having a professional inspect your car and then perform the replacement will provide peace of mind and often pay off in the long run through continued reliability. But for those willing to take on the challenge, a DIY approach can potentially cut costs in half or more.

Final Words

Keeping your CV boots in good condition is some of the most cost-effective maintenance for protecting your vehicle’s axles and steering.

While failures requiring boot replacement are unavoidable over time, staying on top of inspections and catching small leaks early greatly reduces the eventual cost and difficulty of repairs down the road. Investing in quality professional service gives peace of mind for critical vehicle components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to drive with a torn CV boot?

No, it is not recommended to continue driving once you notice a torn CV boot. While your vehicle may seem fine at first, prolonged driving with a damaged boot will lead to serious problems.

Once the protective grease leaks out, dirt and debris will quickly contaminate the interior of the joint, causing accelerated wear and eventual failure. The damaged joint can lead to loss of steering control.

Catching a torn boot early and replacing it promptly is highly advised to prevent bigger issues down the road.

Is it worth replacing a CV boot?

Yes, replacing a damaged CV boot is very worth it to protect the health and safety of your vehicle. The boot itself is an inexpensive part, but it plays an important role in keeping your axle intact.

If grease leaks out for too long, the CV joint and axle can fail completely, necessitating an extremely costly repair. Since boot replacement is affordable and prevents bigger problems, it is considered critical preventative maintenance.

How do I temporarily fix my CV boot?

There’s no great temporary fix for a torn CV boot. You may be able to wrap some duct tape around split seams as a very short term patch, but this won’t hold for long.

The proper repair is to replace the boot promptly. Trying DIY fixes with sealants or adhesives is not recommended, as these won’t withstand the extreme motions of the joint.

Your best option is to replace the boot with a proper kit as soon as possible to avoid damage from grease loss or contamination in the CV joint. Take care not to make the problem worse.