Life Of Replacement CV Boots?

[91boz]

I noticed that on all of my cars, the replacement cv boots only lasts for about 3 years before it starts to leak and needs replacement. These are the original axles and boots were replaced with oe style Beck Arnley or Napa boots.
On one of my cars I replaced the whole drive shaft, new not rebuilt and in about 3 years the boot is cracked.

These are not factory parts but how long are your boots been holding out?

[93celicaconv]

Great question. I have a 92 Pontiac SSEi, and the half-shafts have never been replaced, 18 years on those boots, and they look like brand new yet. But I've had all the Toyota half-shaft boots break at least once, if not more, like you. I've heard that Asian cars used natural rubber boots, while domestic makes used a silicone, or synthetic material, causing the difference in life.

However, more recently, the boots I've had put on the Toyotas are now lasting a lot longer. All have been on more than 3 years - I think I have some that are 7 or more years now. Maybe the newer replacements are using the synthetic boot material now? Don't know, but I would bet new boots will last you longer than the ones provided years ago.

[73sport]

I'm not sure who made them, but i did mine in late 2005 and both are still intact with no obvious signs of deterioration.

I'm sure temperature and driving conditions play a role too. Flat level freeway use vs donuts in the parking lot everyday under 140f heat.

[zythr]

Right, how and where you drive can have an affect (ie many turns, especially sharp ones), also weather and road conditions can be a factor.

[projektvertx]

I changed mind earlier this year. 222,--- miles in Canadian and Michigan winters and when I took them off, they had no external sign of wear. All the damage was internal... They usually say 100K miles, but I'm not sure how much I trust that number.

[ghettosled]

i replaced the CV boots on the passenger side just over 2 years ago with boots from napa - still holding strong. i replaced the drivers side axel with one from napa just after i bought the car about 5 years ago - also holding strong.

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by 91boz

These are not factory parts but how long are your boots been holding out?

I've got 217,000 miles on my 2000 Camry LE, and the CV boots are original and I've had no problems so far. I even went to a few shops to get some quotes to replace the axle and boots, and the price range was from $250-$300 to replace the entire axle, per side.

But both shops said "if it ain't broke, why fix it?"

So I'm gonna drive until one of them starts leaking.