How to check MOT history?

 Constant velocity axles, or CV axles, are the components that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move forward.

They include a flexible constant velocity joint that allows the axle to flex in a number of ways to meet wheel movement caused by turning and suspension travel.

Torn CV boots are a common reason for a car failing the MOT test, according to the MOT history check. Grease dripping within the wheels, vibrations felt around the CV axle, and clicking noises during turns are all common symptoms of torn or damaged CV boots.

This flexible joint is protected by a rubber boot known as the CV Boot. This boot is merely a dust cover for the CV joint, designed to keep dust and grime out while keeping the grease that lubricates the joint in.

When a CV axle boot fails, it exposes the CV joint to contaminants, which can cause damage.

Check MOT expiration date for your car and have the damaged CV boot replaced beforehand.

A bad CV boot usually causes a few symptoms that alert the driver that something needs to be done. The following are 3 torn cv boot symptoms:

1.      Leaking Grease - A grease leak is the most prevalent symptom of a defective or failing CV boot. A CV boot can become dry or brittle over time due to exposure to the environment, cracking or tearing. When a CV boot fractures or splits, grease leaks into the wheel. As the CV axle rotates, grease is frequently thrown onto the chassis or other parts on the vehicle's underbelly. A ripped boot can also let dirt, debris, and moisture into the CV joint, causing damage. If you go online and check MOT history of your car, you will see that a torn CV boot will clearly be stated as a failure by the MOT tester.

2.      Vibrations From the CV Axle - Vibrations from the CV axle is another sign of a faulty CV boot. The vibrations could be caused by moisture or debris entering the CV joint, causing damage. A vibrating CV axle will almost always need to be replaced.

3.      Clicking Noises - Clicking sounds from the axle during turns are another more significant indicator of a potentially torn CV boot. This is a sign that the CV joint has gotten slack enough to develop play, causing it to click during turns. Because most CV joints are not serviceable, a clicking CV joint will need to be replaced.

As mentioned above, on a MOT history a torn CV boot will clearly be stated by the MOT tester as a failed MOT item.

CV boots have a simple but crucial function: they keep the CV axles and joints clean and extend their service life. If you observe or believe that your CV boot is damaged, have a professional technician evaluate the vehicle, such as one from a qualified mechanic, to see if a CV boot replacement is necessary, or if the entire CV joint needs to be replaced.

Completing a CV Boot Replacement

It is safe to drive a car with a damaged or torn CV boot, but this will almost certainly result in additional damage that will necessitate more expensive repair. If a slight rip in a CV boot is discovered early on, it may only require a modest repair of changing the boot and applying fresh grease rather than more extensive surgery. If a boot is torn, many repair shops may recommend replacing the entire axle since there may be invisible damage to the CV joints, axle shafts, and other parts that could cause other issues.

Inner boots are more prone to rips than outer boots (the ones nearest to the wheel). Grease stains under the front axle or grease sprayed on or around the inward-facing side of a wheel are signs of a torn boot. A clicking or popping sounds when turning or vibrations at highway speeds are both signs that a CV joint or axle has been damaged.