Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Cv boots

1998 Ford Falcon CV boots: what they do and when to replace them

Based on workshop references such as Gregory’s Ford Falcon AU Series Workshop Manual, Ellery’s Service Manual for AU Falcon, and Autodata service specs, the 1998 Ford Falcon (AU series) is rear‑wheel drive with non‑driven front hubs, so there are no front axle CV boots. However, CV‑jointed half‑shafts with rubber boots were fitted to Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) variants—typically high‑series sedans like Fairmont/Fairlane/LTD and some XR models. Live‑axle sedans, wagons and many utes from the same year don’t use rear CV boots on the axle. That means CV boots are relevant where the car has IRS, and not applicable on live‑axle cars.

For AU Falcons fitted with IRS, the CV boots are the flexible rubber bellows that seal the grease-packed constant velocity joints on each rear half‑shaft. Their whole job is to keep grease in and grit, water and road grime out, so the CV joints can articulate smoothly while the suspension moves. When the boots split, grease flings out and contaminants get in, which quickly chews out the joint and can lead to clicks, clunks and vibrations on throttle.

As part of regular servicing on a 1998 Ford Falcon with IRS, it’s worth a quick glance under the back: look for sling marks of dark grease around the inner guards or diff, and check each boot for cracks, perishing or loose clamps. A torn boot caught early can often be saved with a new boot and fresh grease. Leave it too long and it’s usually a complete CV/half‑shaft replacement, which is pricier and a bigger hassle.

Typical signs it’s time to sort the CV boots include:

• Grease spray near the rear wheels or underbody
• Clicking, light knocking or shudder on take‑off
• Visible splits, cracks or missing clamps on the boot

Replacement boots should be quality neoprene or OE‑spec rubber, fitted with proper stainless clamps. Aftermarket “stretch” boots can get you out of trouble, but OE‑style boots tend to last longer. A tech will clean the joint, repack it with the right moly CV grease, fit the boot, clamp it, and check end float and clip engagement. While they’re there, it’s smart to inspect rear wheel bearings, diff seals and tyres for even wear.

How often to check? Every service or 10,000–15,000 km is a good rule of thumb in Aussie and Kiwi conditions, and sooner if the car sees gravel roads, heavy towing or lots of wet weather. Catching a split early keeps the AU cruising smoothly and saves a fair chunk of coin compared with replacing the whole shaft.

Popular questions about 1998 Ford Falcon CV boots

Do all 1998 Falcons have CV boots?
Not all of them. IRS‑equipped sedans use CV‑jointed rear half‑shafts with boots. Live‑axle models, most wagons and many utes don’t have rear CV boots. The front hubs aren’t driven, so there are no front axle CV boots on any AU Falcon.

Can they keep driving with a split CV boot?
It’ll move, but it’s not a great idea. Once the boot splits, grease leaves and grit gets in, rapidly wearing the joint. If it’s caught early, a boot and grease service may save the joint, leave it and it often becomes a full half‑shaft job.

What does a CV boot service usually involve?
The joint is cleaned, inspected, repacked with the correct moly grease, and sealed with a new boot and clamps. A good workshop will also check for play, inspect bearings and tyres, and road‑test for any vibration under load.