CV Joints, Boots & Parts
About CV Joints, Boots & Parts
A CV boot is a flexible cover that keeps grease in the joint and dirt and water out. When it tears, the joint runs dry and starts to click, so boots and joint kits are the usual repair parts for UTV and ATV axles. Riders shop here to fix a torn boot early or to replace a worn joint.
Listings are named by position, such as front, rear, inboard or outboard, and by machine. Kits for Can-Am, Polaris, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki are listed, along with a cold-weather Extreme Cold boot kit, a heavy-duty boot kit, universal boot kits and single boots such as the Fast Boot X. A CV joint kit replaces the joint itself, and a boot kit replaces only the boot, clamps and grease. If the old joint clicks or feels rough, replace the joint, not just the boot.
Brands in this category include EPI, All Balls, Moose Offroad and Demon Powersports. For a complete shaft, see CV Axle Assemblies or Axles. Gear case seals are in Differential Parts. All of these are part of Transmission & Drivetrain. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page to see kits made for it.
FAQs on UTV and ATV CV joints and boots
Can I replace just a torn CV boot?
Yes, if it is caught early and the joint still moves smoothly with no clicking. Clean the joint, inspect it, repack it with fresh CV grease and fit a new boot with new clamps. If grease has already gone and the joint is rough, replace the joint.
Which grease should I use in a CV joint?
Use the grease supplied with the kit or the one the maker specifies. CV joints are not packed with ordinary multipurpose grease, and the wrong one can wear the joint. Fill the joint and boot with the amount stated in the instructions.
What do inboard and outboard mean for a CV boot?
Inboard is the joint end nearer the differential or transmission, and outboard is the end nearer the wheel. They often use different boots and joints, so check which position the listing is for. Each end can need a different kit.
Do I have to remove the axle to replace a boot?
On most axles, yes. A standard boot slides over the shaft after the joint is taken apart, so the axle comes off the machine. Check whether a listing describes a different installation method, and follow your service manual.
How is a universal joint different from a CV joint?
A universal joint is a simple cross-type joint, often used in driveshafts, while a CV joint is a ball and cage joint used in axles that must flex with the suspension. They are not interchangeable, so match the part to where it is used.
