The Volkswagen brand is well-respected for its reliable cars which are affordable for nearly everyone. Founded in 1937, the company has been producing vehicles for over 80 years. This has given them a lot of time to ensure their vehicles are worthy of the reputation.
Many people purchase these stylish vehicles for comfort and affordability, while also driving a reliable and safe car. Despite all of these achievements, the Volkswagen is not immune to problems. A common occurrence is a half-shaft boot failure, and while that might be a mouthful, it’s fixable.
What is a half-shaft boot?
In order to understand the importance of the half-shaft boot, you must understand what it is. Your Volkswagen has components called CV axles, which are responsible for transporting power from the engine to the wheels. Your CV axles are also known as driving shafts, which are connected to joints. These CV joints are what attach the shaft to the engine at one end and to the wheels at the other end. The half-shaft boot is around both joints, creating a barrier of protection, preventing debris from harming these parts of your vehicle.
Common Reasons Your Half-Shaft Boot Might Fail
The leading cause of failure is normal wear and tear. Usually around 100,000 miles, it’s advised to get the shaft replaced. While usage isn’t cause for concern, you should be mindful of how you drive. When something is taken care of, it will last longer. Vehicles that are used for reckless driving, will need a replacement before a well-maintained VW would.
Other causes of shaft failure could include bad roads, extreme temperatures or snow, and rough ground. If you’re someone who’s read their owner’s manual and you are dutiful in your Volkswagen’s routine maintenance, here are some things to double check.
You can check the shaft to see if it’s in need of lubrication. If the boot is too dry, functioning will be impossible. You can ask a trusted mechanic what lubricant is best if you want to try to do this yourself; however, utilizing a VW service center is your easiest route to a quick repair. Also, if you notice any damage, tearing, or broken parts, it’s time to visit your trusted mechanic today.
Signs Your Half-Shaft Boot is Failing
When driving slowly, you may hear a grinding or knocking sound. If driving fast, this noise will be near-deafening, and the vehicle may shake from the stress. Any issues accelerating could be a sign of failure. Bring your car to our mechanics immediately so we can replace the half-shaft boot.
Leaking grease is a definite sign of a problem. If you notice the shaft is bent, crooked, or looks different in any way, bring it to us right away. Identifying the problem is helpful, but it needs to be repaired properly to protect the shaft and ensure your Volkswagen works as designed. The best option is a professional inspection and expert repair to be certain the repair is done correctly.
The easiest way to prevent issues in your Volkswagen is by doing your yearly servicing. It’s important your VW is checked regularly to remain in excellent condition. A mechanic might notice something you don’t see, catching it before a more expensive issue develops. If this type of problem is caught early with the half-shaft boot, the failing part would be replaced immediately. There would be little to no risk of the half-shaft boot failing, as a brand new one would be swapped out with the old one, maintaining your safety on the road.
Master Mechanics Auto Repair: Service You Can Trust
The best option is to choose a mechanic you trust 
who knows your vehicle’s intricacies and can put you at ease. It’s important for us to build a relationship with our clients to instill trust in our work and ensure your safety on the road.
At Master Mechanics Auto Repair, we are experts at car repairs. We are the leading shop in Kalamazoo, with 20 years of excellent service. Each service is performed by an ASE certified mechanic with the latest tools and state-of-the-art equipment. We proudly service clients in and around Battle Creek, Portage, and Kalamazoo, MI. Stop by or give us a call to set up an appointment today.
* Volkswagen Touareg image credit goes to: Neydtstock.