Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Cv boots

1997 Ford Falcon and CV Boots: What’s Actually Fitted

Based on the driveline layouts documented in the Ford EL Falcon Workshop Manual (Ford Australia, 1996–1998), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for Ford Falcon EF–EL (1994–1998), and Max Ellery’s Ford Falcon EF–EL Repair Manual, the 1997 Ford Falcon (EL series) is rear‑wheel drive with a live rear axle. It does not use front drive shafts and therefore does not have constant‑velocity (CV) joints or CV boots at the front hubs. The tailshaft in these models uses universal joints and a centre bearing, not CV joints enclosed by rubber boots.

That’s why “CV boots” aren’t relevant parts on a 1997 Falcon. CV boots are typically found on front‑wheel drive and many all‑wheel drive cars, where rotating half‑shafts need flexible joints to steer and drive the wheels. The EL Falcon sends power to a solid rear axle via a prop shaft, so there are no front CVs to protect. While later Falcons with independent rear suspension (from the AU era onward in certain trims) do use CV joints on the rear half‑shafts, the 1997 EL sticks with the simpler live‑axle arrangement.

Owners and parts catalogues sometimes confuse CV boots with other rubber bellows on the Falcon. The front end still has boots, just not CV ones. The most common are the rack‑end (steering) boots, which keep dust and water out of the steering rack, and the small dust boots on ball joints and tie‑rod ends. If those split, grime gets in and components wear quickly.

For practical servicing on a 1997 Falcon, attention is better spent on these checks:

• Steering rack boots (bellows): look for tears, oil weep, or clamps that have let go.
• Tie‑rod end and ball joint dust boots: perished or split boots call for replacement of the boot or joint.
• Tailshaft universal joints and centre bearing: check for play, binding, rust dust, or vibration on take‑off and at highway speeds.
• Differential pinion area: listen for whine and inspect for leaks rather than any missing “boots”.

If a supplier lists “CV boots” for a 1997 Falcon, it’s worth double‑checking the listing—it’s likely referring to steering rack boots or a generic category. Sticking to the manuals above will keep the diagnosis straight and help avoid ordering the wrong bits.

Popular questions about 1997 Ford Falcon CV boots

Does a 1997 Ford Falcon have CV boots?
Technically, no. The 1997 EL Falcon is rear‑wheel drive with a live rear axle and doesn’t use CV joints at the front hubs. It therefore doesn’t have the rubber CV boots that front‑wheel drive cars rely on. Any “boots” up front are steering rack bellows, not CV boots.

What rubber boots should be checked on a 1997 Falcon instead?
Steering rack boots, tie‑rod end boots and ball joint dust boots deserve regular inspection. If they split, grit gets in and components wear fast. Also check the tailshaft universal joints and centre bearing for play or noise, as these do the driveline flexing job on the EL.

Why do some listings show CV boots for this model?
Many catalogues group steering rack bellows under a broad “CV/axle boot” category or use universal terminology. On a 1997 Falcon, those parts aren’t protecting CV joints, they’re there to seal the steering rack ends. Cross‑check with an EL Falcon parts guide or workshop manual to be sure.