Subaru XV: CV Joint Boot Cracking and Grease Loss

The constant velocity (CV) joints on the GP XV driveshafts are protected by rubber boots that retain the lithium-based grease required to lubricate the joint through its full range of articulation. The rubber compound used on these boots degrades with exposure to engine heat, ozone, and road grit, leading to cracking or splitting — most commonly at the inner clamp or where the boot flexes most during full-lock manoeuvres. Once the boot splits, the grease is flung out by centrifugal force and abrasive contamination enters the joint, causing rapid wear of the ball bearings and cage, ultimately leading to a worn CV joint that requires driveshaft replacement.

• Grease splattered or smeared on the inner face of the wheel rim, tyre sidewall, or surrounding suspension components
• Clicking or popping noise from one front corner when turning at full or near-full steering lock at low speed
• Visible cracks, splits, or tears in the rubber boot material, particularly at the clamp ends
• Vibration through the steering wheel or floor at highway speed if the joint has progressed to bearing wear

Look for grease flung onto the surrounding suspension components, subframe, or inside of the wheel — this is a reliable indicator the boot has already split. Check that all boot clamps are secure and not corroded through. On any boot showing cracking without visible split, squeeze it gently to feel for brittleness. A clicking or popping noise on full lock in either direction during a low-speed tight turn confirms the outer CV joint is already damaged. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, inspect all eight CV boots (two per driveshaft) for cracking, splits, or tears.

Parts involved: CV joint and boot.

$180 to $750 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Have the CV boots been inspected recently, and are any showing signs of cracking or grease loss?”
• “Has there been any clicking or popping when turning at full lock?”
• “Has the vehicle had any driveshaft or CV joint work done?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.