Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Cv boots

1987 Suzuki Swift CV Boots – purpose, care, and when to replace

CV boots are absolutely relevant to the 1987 Suzuki Swift. Period technical references including the Suzuki Swift/Cultus Factory Service Manual (1986–1988, Front Axle/Drive Shaft sections), common aftermarket guides such as the Haynes manual for Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro era models, and the Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for SA310/AA43S models all specify inner and outer constant-velocity (CV) joint boots on the front drive shafts. Those sources describe inspection intervals, grease types, and replacement procedures for split or perished boots, confirming the part is fitted to this vehicle.

On a 1987 Swift, the CV boots’ job is simple but crucial: they seal high-moly CV joint grease around the joint and keep out water, mud, and road grit. The front-wheel-drive layout uses CV joints to let the front wheels steer and move with suspension travel while still transmitting torque. If a boot splits, grease gets flung across the wheel arch and the joint starts running dry, eventually pitting and clicking on turns. Left too long, that noise becomes vibration and a compromised joint, turning a cheap boot job into a full shaft or joint replacement.

Good servicing for an older Swift means frequent visual checks. Owners usually spot problems as:

• Grease sprayed on the inside of the wheel, strut or under the guard
• Cracks in the rubber, especially near the small and large clamp lands
• Clicking on lock or a shudder under load if the damage has gone on a while

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech: remove the shaft, clean the joint, inspect the bearings, repack with the correct moly CV grease, slide on a quality boot, and clamp it with proper stainless bands—no worm-drive clamps that can throw the balance. On a car this age, it’s smart to do both inner and outer boots on the affected side if the rubber looks tired, and to check wheel bearings, tie-rod ends and lower ball joints at the same time. Regular servicing every 10,000–15,000 km with a quick look under the car, plus a deeper inspection at WOF/service intervals, will usually catch a weeping boot early and save the joint. In wet or dusty Aussie and Kiwi conditions, quality boots and correct grease matter, cheap, thin rubber tends to crack sooner and makes a mess of an otherwise tidy Swift.

Popular questions

What are the signs a CV boot has failed on a 1987 Suzuki Swift?

Typical signs include a spray of dark grease inside the front wheel or under the guard, visible splits in the rubber, and eventually a clicking noise on tight turns as the joint runs low on grease. If left, vibration on acceleration can follow as the joint wears.

Catch it early and it’s usually just a boot and grease. If the clicking has started, the joint may need replacement as well.

How often should CV boots be inspected on this model?

A quick visual check at every service (roughly 10,000–15,000 km) is prudent. For vehicles driven on gravel, in heavy rain, or through standing water, more frequent checks help. During WOF or rego servicing, a mechanic should also inspect the boots with the wheels off.

Can a 1987 Swift be driven with a split CV boot?

It can physically be driven, but it’s risky. A split boot lets grease out and water and grit in, accelerating joint wear. Short, gentle trips to a workshop might be fine, but delaying repair could turn a simple boot job into a full CV joint or shaft replacement.