How Much Does CV Boot and Axle Replacement Cost?

Understanding the Cost of CV Boot and Axle Replacement

This constant velocity (CV) joint part plays a vital role in your car’s ability to smoothly transfer power from the transmission to the wheels, especially during turns. However, like any mechanical component, CV joints and protective accordion-like boots can wear out over time, leading to the need for replacement. In this article, we’ll dive into the costs associated with CV boot and axle replacement cost, what factors influence these costs, and tips on managing these expenses.

What’s involved to replace a CV boot and axle replacement

Replacing a complete axle shaft is not a time-consuming job. Here are the steps for a typical car or small SUB

• Remove the axle nut
• Disconnect the lower ball joint-to-control arm or, disconnect the strut-to-steering knuckle
• Pry the axle shaft out of the transmission
• Reverse the installation for the new axle shaft

The time required varies a bit based on the year, make, and model but it is less than 1- hour per side.

If the joint is worn or damaged, it’s best to replace the entire axle

Shops generally don’t replace just a worn CV boot or joint because the labor to replace a single joint boot is more than the labor to replace the entire axle. The parts cost more to replace the axle, but the labor is less

What is a CV Joint? See this post

CV boot replacement cost — Both Boots on One Axle

The advantage of doing just the boots is that the parts cost less.

The disadvantages— You saved on parts costs but paid more for labor. It takes longer to replace boots than it does to replace the entire axle shaft. Plus, you wind up with CV joints that are worn from ingesting and running for a while on road grit.

Here’s an example of CV boot replacement cost on a 2018 Chevrolet Impala

• Labor cost to remove and replace one axle 1.0-hrs
• Additional labor cost to remove and replace both the inner and outer CV joint boots 1.5-hrs
• Parts cost. Inner and outer boots $85.00 each.
• New axle nuts (one time use) $22.
Laor 2.5-hrs labor @$140-hr = $350
Parts cost $192
Total Cost $542

CV axle replacement cost on a 2018 Chevrolet Impala

Labor cost to remove and replace once CV axle on 1.0hrs @ $140/hr = $140
CV Axle parts cost

Totally new AC Delco axle $500 (Shop Price) (Warranty 24 months, unlimited mileage)
Cardone Rebuilt Axle (Lifetime Warranty) $250

Total CV axle replacement cost with AC Delco axle $640
Total CV axle replacement cost with Cardone Axle $390

Can you replace a CV boot yourself using a CV split boot kit?

See this post

What happens when the CV boot tears

A torn CV boot is the most common failure on a CV axle. When the CV boot tears, all the grease leaks out, and road grit and water enter the CV joint, eventually destroying it. You can replace just the boot and save the joint if you catch it in the very early stages before it has flung all the grease out and before it becomes loaded with road grit. That make sense if you’re doing the work yourself and willing to take the risk that the joint itself hasn’t been damaged. But replacing a torn boot doesn’t make sense if you’re paying a shop to replace it. Here’s why:

• To replace the boot, the tech has to remove the entire axle shaft from the vehicle
• Once removed, they have to disassemble the joint to install a new boot.
• Then the axle shaft is reinstalled
• If the joint makes noise after the boot replacement, you’ll have to replace the entire axle shaft with a new or rebuilt unit.

So most shops won’t do this because of the risk of future failure, for which they’ll be blamed.

©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat