Cardan boot: purpose, service life and price

The gimbal boot, located at the end of the gimbal, contains grease to lubricate the joint. It has a protective function as it prevents the ingress of dust or water, which could damage the gimbal.

🚗 What is a gimbal boot for?

Le bellows cardigan, also called transmission bellows, is located at the ends of the driveshaft. His role protect suspensions avoid the penetration of water, sand, dust, etc. Grasse.

The transmission bellows is a bellows-shaped rubber or flexible plastic bushing that protects and lubricates the transmission constant velocity joints. For this, it contains fat. Hence, it is an essential part for the proper functioning of your CV joints and your transmission.

⚙️ What types of gimbal boots are there?

There are three types of gimbal bellows:

• Le transmission bellows ;
• Le universal bellows ;
• Le adjustable bellows.

Transmission bellows:

Le transmission bellows is an exact replica of the original manufacturer-installed bellows. This is the best choice of bellows as it has exactly the same characteristics as the original bellows. However, its price is generally higher: on average, count 150€.

Universal bellows:

Le universal bellows, also called standard bellows, are the cheapest of all at around 20 for 30 €... It is a bellows that adapts to all types of vehicles as it has two rings of increasing diameter that simply need to be cut to size.

This is the cheapest bellows, but be careful as its imposing shape can sometimes be problematic when in contact with a lever or ball joint.

Adaptable bellows:

Le adjustable bellows it is a bellows that can be adapted to different car models. Therefore, it exists in different shapes and with several possible diameters. This is usually the best choice in terms of price / quality ratio, since its average price is only 50€.

🔍 What are the symptoms of loading the HS gimbal?

The cardan bellows ensures tightness and correct operation of the transmission. Therefore, it is important to replace the gimbal boot if it is torn or cracked or cracked. There are several symptoms that can alert you to replace the bellows:

• If you feel Clearance gap ;
• If you hear crackers when turning the wheels;
• If you observe traces of grease on your wheel or suspension.

Good to know : the cardan bellows does not wear out, there are no recommendations on the timing of its replacement. However, over time, the latter can deteriorate and / or deform. Therefore, do not forget to regularly check its condition.

🔧 How to change the gimbal rack?

To change the gimbal boot, you need to buy a repair kit. This includes not only the new gimbal boot, but also the clamps and grease. New bellows are installed with a cone after removing the steering ball joint.

Required material:

• Cardan shaft boot repair kit
• Tools

Step 1. Buy a gimbal cover repair kit.

Replacing the gimbal cover is not a very complicated procedure. However, you will need a gimbal case repair kit to do this.

This kit usually consists of a new bellows, two clamps, and a grease bag. We advise you to choose a repair kit with a mounting cone, which will facilitate the installation of a new gimbal boot.

Step 2. Raise the car.

To change the gimbal boots, you need to raise the car with a jack or jack and then remove the wheel to make access to the trunk easier. Then remove the track ball joint and shock absorber mounting bolts.

Step 3. Replace the cardan boot.

Then remove the transmission nut and release it so the old bellows can be removed. Then install a new gimbal boot with a cone. Be sure to apply universal joint grease to the bellows before tightening the clamps to ensure they are watertight.

You can find our complete guide which explains step by step how to change the gimbal load.

💰 How much does it cost to replace the gimbal cover?

On average, the price for replacing the gimbal cover is 60€, not counting the cost of the new part. This operation includes removing the HS bellows, lubricating the connections, replacing the bellows, and checking the installation.

Good to know : Failure of undercarriage parts can lead to a denial of technical inspection. Therefore, do not forget to check the condition of your bellows before a technical inspection to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

So you know all about gimbal bellows! In the event of a problem, remember that our trusted mechanics are always on hand to replace the cardan bellows. Compare prices now on our garage comparator!