How do you know if your cv boot or axles are bad? What are the signs?

 

Axles clickng, dropping grease from the cv boot area, torn cv boots. If the axle itself is broken/snapped, you won't be able to drive. If you hear them click when you back up, turn, etc, replace the axles.

 

pretty much dubster99 covered all the problems for ya to detect if they are bad or good

 

I know this is stupid but where's the cv boot/axle?

 

its connected to your tranny and (front)wheels

 

i had my car up on a lift today and a mechanic and i were looking at it and we noticed that my cv boots weren't secure all the way and were leaking. he said i could j/ get new clamps and re-fill it with grease. anyone know where i could get the clamps? its not torn, i just think its loose. and what could go wrong if i dont replace this soon? any other tips would be appreciated

 

You can get new clamps, the crimper, and new grease all at some auto shop like autozone. The grease is there to keep the bearings lubricated. The boots are there to keep debris out of the grease and bearings. Bearing defect/failure is usually the end result... some common things are, you will hear click click click on turns or increased road noise/vibration. hth

 

my front left one needs replaced baaaaaaaaaad, it clicks like a mofo when its cold outside and im taking a turn at low speeds.