Silicone on CV Boots - Why Not?

[pgilliam1]

I regularly use CRC spray silicone on ALL rubber everywhere on my cars (I have a 1982 Toyota truck and the original rubber on window and door seals are as new). Now the thought occurred to me - "Why not use clear silicone caulk (like you'd use on exterior house window frames) and smear it on the CV boots in a light, even, coating (just put on a surgical glove and get it into the grooves and all surface area). Let it dry overnight and you'd have a seal that wouldn't allow the rubber to dry out and split and still be flexible (I would first soak the boot with CRC spray). Give me the "why nots" before I do this.

 

[Honcho]

The light layer of silicone will act in a similar manner to flypaper, with bits of dirt and grit sticking to it over time. It is possible that, over time, the grit could rub into the rubber and you have a leak. I used 303 protectant instead on my new boots, which does not leave a residue.

 

[pgilliam1]

The light layer of silicone will act in a similar manner to flypaper, with bits of dirt and grit sticking to it over time. It is possible that, over time, the grit could rub into the rubber and you have a leak. I used 303 protectant instead on my new boots, which does not leave a residue.

Good point. I have a 1991 as well and the CV boots are still good but are showing signs of deterioration (the rubber surfaces have small bumps and are no longer smooth). I think I'll try the silicone on one of the boots and keep an eye on it. I will have to replace it soon enough if I do nothing anyway. Thanks for the insight.

 

[nis350]

I regularly use CRC spray silicone on ALL rubber everywhere on my cars (I have a 1982 Toyota truck and the original rubber on window and door seals are as new). Now the thought occurred to me - "Why not use clear silicone caulk (like you'd use on exterior house window frames) and smear it on the CV boots in a light, even, coating (just put on a surgical glove and get it into the grooves and all surface area). Let it dry overnight and you'd have a seal that wouldn't allow the rubber to dry out and split and still be flexible (I would first soak the boot with CRC spray). Give me the "why nots" before I do this.

Just curious if the silicone caulk would be flexible enough for the movements of the CV boots.

 

[Vytas]

I coat the CV boots with a rubber protectant every time I do an oil change on my '01 GSR. Eight years and 92K miles later, the CV boots don't even have a hairline crack in them. I presume they'll last for quite a long time if I keep it up. My '86 Integra CV boots split at 70K miles and after they were replaced, I started this procedure. Only takes a few minutes to do both while the oil is draining. I sold the car with 150K miles and the boots were like new with no cracks. In my experience, coating your CV boots with a good rubber protectant does make a difference. I use Moc Shine & Shield but I'm sure other good products will work just a well.

 

[Honcho]

I'm going to do this as well. But I'm first going to wipe them down with a wet rag before I put the protectant on. Glad to see this routine pays off.

I coat the CV boots with a rubber protectant every time I do an oil change on my '01 GSR. Eight years and 92K miles later, the CV boots don't even have a hairline crack in them. I presume they'll last for quite a long time if I keep it up. My '86 Integra CV boots split at 70K miles and after they were replaced, I started this procedure. Only takes a few minutes to do both while the oil is draining. I sold the car with 150K miles and the boots were like new with no cracks. In my experience, coating your CV boots with a good rubber protectant does make a difference. I use Moc Shine & Shield but I'm sure other good products will work just a well.

 

[pgilliam1]

Just curious if the silicone caulk would be flexible enough for the movements of the CV boots.

A thin coat would be just as flexible as rubber. I have used it on a bunch of different materials (wood, glass, metal, rubber) and when peeled off it retains it's flexability for years. It is rated for 30 years on exterior applications. It dries in about 12 hours. I don't know if dirt would collect on it's surface as mentioned above but I do know that it repels oil well and is a complete moisture block. If it doesn't collect dirt, then it should protect the CV boots for years with one application. Warning: Some of my ideas don't work as planned. Happy Motoring!

 

[nis350]

I coat the CV boots with a rubber protectant every time I do an oil change on my '01 GSR. Eight years and 92K miles later, the CV boots don't even have a hairline crack in them. I presume they'll last for quite a long time if I keep it up. My '86 Integra CV boots split at 70K miles and after they were replaced, I started this procedure. Only takes a few minutes to do both while the oil is draining. I sold the car with 150K miles and the boots were like new with no cracks. In my experience, coating your CV boots with a good rubber protectant does make a difference. I use Moc Shine & Shield but I'm sure other good products will work just a well.

Are you referring to the general 'vinyl and rubber' protectant from Pep Boys?

 

[Vytas]

Are you referring to the general 'vinyl and rubber' protectant from Pep Boys?

That should work. I also use F21 in a green bottle (formerly Formula 2001) which works great.