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Ford Explorer CV Joint Repair Kits
Ford Explorer Cv joint repair kits
Starting at $49.95, AutoBuffy stocks 1 CV joint repair kits from Detroit Axle to fit the Ford Explorer. A CV joint repair kit restores the constant-velocity joint that transfers engine power to the wheels at a consistent speed through suspension travel. When the protective boot cracks and grease escapes, the joint wears rapidly, leading to vibration, noise, and eventual loss of drive.
Signs your Ford Explorer needs a CV joint repair kit
- Clicking or popping noise when turning — especially sharp, low-speed turns like in a parking lot — is the most classic sign of a worn outer CV joint
- Grease splattered on the inside of the wheel well or on the tire sidewall indicates a torn CV boot that has been flinging grease at speed
- Visible cracks, splits, or tears in the rubber boot around the axle shaft when inspected from underneath the vehicle
- Vibration or shudder that increases with acceleration, felt through the floorboard or steering wheel, pointing to a damaged inner CV joint
- Clunking sensation during acceleration from a stop or when shifting from drive to reverse, caused by worn joint spiders or bearing races with excessive play
- Humming or growling noise at highway speed that changes pitch when the steering wheel is turned slightly left or right, suggesting joint wear has progressed
Which CV joint repair kit should you buy for your Ford Explorer?
The most important decision is whether you need a boot-only kit — used when the joint itself is still serviceable and only the boot has failed — or a complete joint-and-boot kit for a joint that has already run dry and worn. Position (inner vs. outer) and axle side (driver vs. passenger) also determine fitment, so confirm both before ordering.
Outer CV Boot Kit
Best for
Early catch — boot torn but joint is smooth and quiet with adequate grease
What you get
Replacement rubber or thermoplastic boot, clamps, fresh grease packet, and installation hardware
Inner CV Boot Kit
Best for
Boot failure at the transmission-side joint, which is often larger in diameter and uses a different boot profile
What you get
Oversized accordion-style boot sized for the inner tripod or double-offset joint, clamps, grease, and retaining clips
Complete Outer CV Joint & Boot Kit
Best for
Joint that has been clicking or running without grease long enough to show wear on the ball tracks or cage
What you get
Fully assembled or rebuildable outer joint, replacement boot, clamps, grease, and snap rings — no separate core needed
Full Axle Rebuild / CV Repair Kit
Best for
High-mileage axles with worn joints at both ends or damaged axle shaft splines, or when cost of separate kits approaches a full axle price
What you get
Inner and outer joints, both boots, all clamps and hardware, and grease — everything needed to restore one complete halfshaft
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Outer CV Boot Kit | Early catch — boot torn but joint is smooth and quiet with adequate grease | Replacement rubber or thermoplastic boot, clamps, fresh grease packet, and installation hardware |
| Inner CV Boot Kit | Boot failure at the transmission-side joint, which is often larger in diameter and uses a different boot profile | Oversized accordion-style boot sized for the inner tripod or double-offset joint, clamps, grease, and retaining clips |
| Complete Outer CV Joint & Boot Kit | Joint that has been clicking or running without grease long enough to show wear on the ball tracks or cage | Fully assembled or rebuildable outer joint, replacement boot, clamps, grease, and snap rings — no separate core needed |
| Full Axle Rebuild / CV Repair Kit | High-mileage axles with worn joints at both ends or damaged axle shaft splines, or when cost of separate kits approaches a full axle price | Inner and outer joints, both boots, all clamps and hardware, and grease — everything needed to restore one complete halfshaft |
Cv joint repair kits brands we stock for your Ford Explorer
Detroit Axle
1 option · from $49.95
Replacing a CV joint repair kit on a Ford Explorer
Moderate⏱ 1.5–3 hoursFloor jack and jack standsAxle nut socket and breaker barCV boot clamp pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver and hammer for band clampsSnap ring pliersTorque wrench
Raise and support the vehicle safely, remove the wheel, and disconnect the axle from the hub and transmission according to the service procedure for the Ford Explorer. Disassemble the joint, clean all old grease from the joint internals, inspect races and balls for pitting or scoring, pack generously with the included grease, and seat the new boot securely before torquing all fasteners to the manufacturer's specification. Incorrect boot clamping or under-packing with grease are the two most common causes of premature failure after a DIY repair.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace CV joint repair kits on a Ford Explorer?
Parts start at $49.95 for a boot-only kit on the Ford Explorer. A complete joint-and-boot kit costs more. Add shop labor of one to two hours per axle if you are not doing it yourself. Catching a torn boot early and replacing only the boot is the least expensive repair path.
Can I drive my Ford Explorer with a torn CV boot?
You can drive briefly, but it accelerates damage quickly. Once the boot tears, grease flings out and road grit enters the joint. A repair that would have cost only a boot kit can become a full joint or axle replacement within a few hundred miles. Address a torn boot as soon as it is discovered.
How long do CV joints last on a Ford Explorer after a repair kit is installed?
A properly installed boot kit on an undamaged joint can restore the original service life, typically many years or tens of thousands of miles depending on driving conditions. A complete joint kit on a worn joint should also deliver long service life. Rough terrain, tight suspension travel, and lack of grease shorten joint life regardless of kit quality.
What is the difference between an inner and outer CV joint repair kit for a Ford Explorer?
The outer joint sits at the wheel hub and handles the large steering angles that produce the classic clicking sound when worn. The inner joint connects to the transmission and accommodates suspension plunge. The boots differ in diameter and shape, and the joint internals differ in design — inner joints are typically tripod or ball-and-tulip style while outer joints are usually Rzeppa ball-and-cage type.
Is it better to buy a CV joint repair kit or a complete replacement axle for my Ford Explorer?
A repair kit makes sense when the axle shaft itself is straight and undamaged and you are catching the problem early. If both joints are worn, the boot is already shredded and the joint has been clicking for a long time, or the shaft has corrosion or spline damage, a complete remanufactured axle is often the better value and saves labor time.
Do I need to remove the axle to install a CV boot kit on a Ford Explorer?
For a split or clamp-over boot, you may avoid full axle removal on some vehicles. For a standard rolled boot — which is the correct factory style — you typically need to remove the axle or at minimum disconnect the outer joint to slide the boot into position. Correct installation without full removal risks improper seating and premature boot failure.