Volkswagen driverside outer C/V boot leaking can it cause other issues?

Question

Took a recently purchased used vehicle to a VW dealership for a checkup/ oil change

One of the things they found is a leaking outer C/V boot (driver side front tire)

They didn't seem to think repair was urgent, but due to an aftermarket axle, they said they need a new axle to address the leaking boot.

My question is can this problem cause other problems? I've never even heard of a C/V boot before yesterday. I want to know if this is a repair I should rush or something I can put off for a few weeks or months?

Answer 1

I've read that a CV joint can take a while to fail but when it does you can lose control or the axle can spin about and break some nearby parts that get caught in the chaos. A leaking CV joint basically succumbs to corrosion as water infiltrates into places it shouldn't be. Outer CV joints will eventually begin to give a terrible click/click/click sound as you make sharp turns.

Here's a straightforward symptoms link https://www.raxles.com/axleparts.aspx

This is a good discussion in this area too Can My Wheel Fall Off From a Bad CV Joint?

And then here's a Volkswagon specific video where this fella comments on a situation where the need for an OEM genuine part Volkswagon axle was called for to avoid driveline vibrations that you can get with aftermarket parts 2003 Jetta Vibration Diagnosis- Is it Driveline, Clutch, or other?

Answer 2

If the boot is leaking, then it is the grease coming out and a lack of lubrication will cause the cv joint to fail.

Depending on the design then it may be possible to fit a new outer cv joint or it may be a complete shaft.

As for how long, that is the length of a piece of string type question...