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Parts for your 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer-Cv boots
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2004 Mitsubishi Lancer CV boots — what they do and when to service them
Yes, CV boots are absolutely relevant to the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for Lancer CS/CG/CH (Group 26 – Front Axle/Driveshaft), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue (Drive Shaft section), and common workshop texts (e.g., Haynes/Max Ellery guides for 2002–2007 Lancer) all depict front drive shafts with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints, each protected by a flexible rubber or thermoplastic CV boot. Being front‑wheel drive, the 2004 Lancer relies on these boots to keep its CV joints greased and sealed.
On this Lancer, each front driveshaft carries two boots: an inner boot (at the transmission end, usually on a tripod joint) and an outer boot (at the wheel hub, typically a Rzeppa joint). Their whole job is simple but vital — hold the special moly CV grease in, and keep water, grit and road grime out. When a boot splits or its clamp loosens, grease gets flung around the wheel arch, the joint runs dry, and wear accelerates. Left too long, the joint clicks on turns and eventually fails, turning an easy boot job into a full shaft replacement.
As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the boots a proper look every 10,000–15,000 km or at each oil service. A quick check under the car with a torch for fresh grease sling, cracks, or perished rubber can save a heap of coin later. If a boot is compromised, replacing it early (and re‑greasing the joint) is usually far cheaper than waiting for the joint to complain.
- Typical warning signs: grease flung around the inner rim, small cracks in the bellows, loose or missing clamps, or a rhythmic clicking on tight turns (outer joint).
- Good practice: use quality boots and stainless clamps, pack the specified CV grease, and have the axle nut torqued to spec on reassembly.
- What to expect: a straightforward reboot is often a 1–2 hour job per side if the joint is still healthy, if there’s noise or metal contamination, a complete driveshaft may be the better call.
For Lancer owners across Australia and New Zealand, keeping those front CV boots tidy is an easy win — it protects the driveline, keeps the steering smooth, and helps avoid bigger bills down the track.
Popular questions about 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer CV boots
Do both front wheels on a 2004 Lancer have CV boots?
Yes. Each front driveshaft has two boots (inner and outer), so there are four front CV boots in total. Standard 2004 Lancer models are front‑wheel drive. AWD variants like the Lancer Evolution are different vehicles with additional driveline components.
How often should CV boots be checked on a Lancer?
Have them inspected at every routine service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 km. Early detection of cracking or grease leaks lets a technician reboot and re‑grease the joint before it wears out.
Is it okay to tape a torn CV boot as a temporary fix?
Not recommended. Tape won’t seal out water or hold grease for long. If the tear is fresh and the joint hasn’t run dry, a proper reboot with new clamps and grease can save the shaft. If there’s clicking or metal debris in the grease, replacing the driveshaft is usually the better option.