Constant Velocity joints, commonly known as CV joints, are an important part of your vehicle’s system that helps to transfer power from your transmission system to the wheels of your vehicle.
Because of these sets of joints, you are able to easily control your wheels through the steering wheels.
So you see how important this component is to your vehicle’s suspension system; that’s why you need to have good knowledge of the symptoms of a bad CV joint, to enable you to take necessary precautions on time.
CV joints are seen in all models or types of vehicles, though the location of these joints may vary in them.
The CV joints are protected by an outer and inner joint and also a rubber boot. Having a bad CV joint can be very dangerous, especially when not noticed early. You will be educated on the signs to note if you have a failing CV joint.
What Is a CV Joint?
A CV axle, also known as a constant velocity joint, drive axle or half shaft, is a drive shaft that connects the front differential to each wheel.
They are needed for transferring the torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed while making sure that the suspension keeps moving in an up-and-down motion.
On all front-wheel drive vehicles, CV axle joints are located on both ends (inner and outer) of the drive shaft. However, they are also found on some rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, such as trucks.
A CV axle design is such that it is attached with two clamps that hold it in place and is protected by a special grease and a plastic or rubber seal. A CV joint will not require maintenance for a long time if the protection remains in place.
However, if the protective boot cracks or becomes damaged as a result of massive pressure on the driveline caused by shock landing, you will need to start looking for replacements.
Given their importance, faulty CV joints should be a source of concern for any vehicle driver. But, first, you need to be aware of the symptoms of a bad CV axle.
Listed below are some of the common bad CV axle symptoms, and if you notice any of them, you must schedule a service appointment immediately.
What Does a CV Joint Do?
The CV axle (also called CV axle shaft and axle shaft) is responsible for transmitting torque from the transaxle or differential to the wheels. It also rotates the wheels at a constant speed, even as suspension changes can alter the CV shaft’s angle.
CV joints are better than standard u-joints because they can transmit power even if the axle is bent at a sharp angle.
How does the CV axle do this? The CV axle is similar to a bearing. It has an outer race and an inner race that has a ball bearing sandwiched in the middle.
Unlike a regular bearing where the inner race can spin independently from the outer race, a CV axle’s inner race and outer race are locked to spin together. The ball bearings allow the CV axle to lengthen, shorten, or bend.
This entire bearing is covered by a CV boot. The boot is filled with grease that lubricates and protects the joints from moisture and debris.
If water or other road debris gets inside the CV joint, it won’t be long before you start noticing signs such as abnormal sounds and vibration, as mentioned earlier.
Together, the CV axle, the joints, and the boots work as a system that ensures an efficient and comfortable ride.
Common symptoms of bad CV joint
The most common symptom of a bad CV joint is knocking noises while turning and accelerating simultaneously. You may also notice excessive vibrations from the suspension or other issues with the steering. You may also notice other issues controlling the vehicle.
Here is a more detailed list of the signs of a bad or failing CV joint to look for:
#1. Knocking Noises While Turning.
The most common symptom of a bad CV joint is knocking sounds from your car while turning. This can be due to the joints not being lubricated at all or simply being worn out. The louder the noise is, the closer you are to total breakage.
This is all the more reason for all car owners to listen carefully to the sounds their vehicle makes daily. It probably won’t be deafening at first, but it becomes more noticeable as the part’s wear increases.
This sound can also be described as a screeching metallic noise. It is often most noticeable when accelerating and turning the steering wheel. Once you notice this happening, it probably won’t be long until the part breaks completely.
#2. Excessive Vibration.
If you have a CV joint that is on its way out, you’ll probably notice a lot more vibration than usual. In some cases, these vibrations will be powerful and make normal driving virtually impossible.
This is when you need to take your vehicle in to get it looked at by a professional. Even a small amount of excessive vibration is cause for concern.
#3. Problems with Steering.
If it gets to the point where you have difficulty turning your car, the CV joint is most likely on its last legs. While there could be numerous explanations for steering problems, this particular part is often the culprit.
The real danger here is that your vehicle will stop going forward or backward completely if you snap the part.
#4. Grease Leakage.
When you have a broken CV joint, grease tends to leak out from the boot. If you have noticed grease under your car or on your tires, you should take it in to get looked at immediately.
Often the CV joint will go bad because of a broken CV joint boot because dirt, dust and water have gotten into the CV joint and washed the grease away.
This is definitely one of the more common signs that you have a problem with the CV axle. If it has gotten to this point, an entire replacement is probably required.
#5. Problems with Controlling the Vehicle.
A lack of control when driving is often due to a worn out and damaged CV joint. This can be anything from issues with turning to maintaining a straight course on the road.
If you find that your car is especially bouncy, this could be a problem even on a flat road. The more the part wears out, the worse this will get. It can be extremely dangerous if the joint gets worn down enough.
What Causes CV Axle Failure?
#1. Torn CV Boots.
The rubber boots that seal the CV joints are the first line of defense against contamination. Over time, rubber deteriorates from exposure to heat, road salt, and UV light, causing tears and cracks.
Once a boot tears, the grease inside leaks out and dirt and water enter the joint, causing the ball bearings and races to wear rapidly.
#2. Impact Damage from Potholes or Road Debris.
Striking a pothole, curb, or large road debris at speed can bend the axle shaft or damage the CV joint components directly. This type of damage happens suddenly and is often accompanied by a loud clunk or immediate vibration.
#3. Normal Wear from Age and Mileage.
CV joints are designed to flex thousands of times per mile, and after 100,000 to 150,000 miles of driving, the internal ball bearings and races wear down naturally.
Even with intact boots, the constant flexing and movement gradually causes internal wear that eventually results in clicking and vibration.
#4. Water and Contamination Inside the Joint.
If a boot is torn or the seal fails, water and salt from winter roads or washouts enter the joint and accelerate corrosion and wear of the internal components.
This contamination causes the protective grease to break down and lose its lubrication properties, speeding up joint failure.
How to inspect the bad CV joint?
#1. Inspect the CV Boots Visually.
With the vehicle safely parked, look at the rubber CV boots on both ends of the front axle shafts. Check for visible tears, cracks, or splits in the rubber.
Also look for grease coating on the inside of the wheel rim or splattered on the tire sidewall—this indicates a boot has failed. You may need to get down low and look from the side to see the boots clearly.
#2. Listen for Clicking During Turns.
Drive the vehicle slowly in a safe, empty parking lot and make tight circles in both directions while listening carefully for clicking or popping sounds.
If you hear a rhythmic clicking that increases as you turn tighter, this strongly suggests a failing outer CV joint. The clicking is most obvious during tight, low-speed turns.
#3. Feel for Vibration During Acceleration.
On a safe, straight road with no traffic, accelerate smoothly from a stop and feel for unusual vibration or shuddering through the steering wheel or chassis.
Repeat this test at different speeds and note whether the vibration is constant or varies. Compare the sensation to how the vehicle normally feels.
#4. Inspect the Axle Shaft from Underneath.
With the vehicle safely supported on jack stands (never just a jack), look at the visible portions of the front axle shafts.
Check for visible bending, damage, or corrosion. Look carefully where the axle enters the wheel hub and where it exits the transmission—these are common failure points.
Do not attempt to remove the axle yourself unless you have significant mechanical experience and proper tools.
#5. Check for Fluid Leakage Around the Axle Area.
Examine the area around where the axle enters the transmission (near the transmission pan) and along the axle length for signs of dark grease leakage.
Grease pooling or staining in this area indicates the CV boot has failed and internal grease is escaping. This is a clear sign that the axle needs prompt replacement.
These diagnostic steps are general guidance and are not a substitute for professional inspection. The exact location of CV components, the tools and safety equipment required, and the specific procedures to properly inspect your axle vary significantly based on your vehicle’s design, engine bay layout, and suspension geometry.
Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and service documentation before attempting any inspection work.
If you are not comfortable working underneath a vehicle, do not have proper jack stands and safety equipment, or lack mechanical experience, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis.
Attempting to work on suspension or driveline components without proper knowledge and tools can result in serious injury.
When and how to replace the bad CV joint?
If you have a bad or completely faulty CV joint, you need to replace it immediately. There are many options to choose from when replacing your faulty CV joint.
You can use joints that have been recycled, replace your entire CV axle with either new or recycled CV joints, can purchase new joints.
A lot of mechanics prefer changing your whole CV axle because this will also take away any mild that is building up in your axle system, and it will help reduce the time use in fixing this problem.
Also, if you have a new CV axle installed in your vehicle, it will help improve the performance of your vehicle, making driving very comfortable.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about faults occurring in your axle system anytime soon. How easy will you be able to change your CV joint, depends on the model of your vehicle.
Performing this might need you to have some special tools to make the process less difficult. However, this guide will help you replace the CV joint of your vehicle easily.
Step 1
First thing is to put on your safety wear, basically your gloves, and a coverall. If you do not have a safety kit, you need to get one.
It is not advisable for you to perform any repair without putting on safety gear. It is for your own safety. Nobody likes it when they are injured or bruise, so you should avoid it now. Also, bring your tools box at close reach.
Step 2
Use a wrench to loosen the hub nuts of your wheels but make sure you do not completely loosen the nuts.
You can make about a quarter turn. Please do not use an impact wrench in doing this because hammering your hub nuts can make it easily wear out. It can also completely damage your vehicle’s CV joint, which might still be reusable.
Make sure you block the back and front of your tires, so your vehicle does not roll. You can also apply brakes.
Some vehicle manufacturers advise that the hub nut of some vehicles should be replaced when removed because it will not be able to retain torque. So you might want to check the repair guide for your vehicle.
Step 3
Lift your car with your jack enough to properly place your jack stands. Ensure that your jack is placed on solid ground as well as your jack stands. This will make sure the weight of your vehicle is evenly distributed and also safe for you to work under your vehicle.
Please inspect your jacks, make sure they are fit for use. After raising your vehicle, you can now completely remove your tires from your vehicle by taking off the lug or hub nuts.
A car lift is another option to consider in lifting your vehicle. Ensure the transmission system is put in a neutral position.
Close your vehicle’s doors, turn off the engine, and check for any obstruction. Set the lift’ adaptors and chock devices in places that are recommended by the manufacturer. Then you can now begin lifting your vehicle.
Step 4
You need to now see how your inner joint is fixed to your transaxle. If your CV joint is fixed to the stub shaft. Then you have to detach the inner CV joint.
On a lot of vehicles, the stub shaft of the inner CV joint is held by the differential gear with the help of a circlip. To pull your joint outward successfully, you might need a boot clamp tool; this will help you do this easily and also tighten your CV boot clamp.
Step 5
If you have the inner joint fixed into the transaxle and your stub shaft houses the outer joint. Then your stub needs to be removed from your steering knuckle before you will be able to pull out your inner joint from the transaxle.
Step 6
To remove your outer CV joint from your hub housing, disconnect your tie rod ends to force the outer stub joint back through the hub housing. You might also need to take off your brake caliper.
Step 7
Once your knuckle can freely move, you can remove one end of the joint through your wheel hub. Please do not forcefully hit one end of the joint so as not to damage the thread on the joint.
Step 8
When one end of the CV joint is free, support it with any piece of rope until the whole joint is removed from the transaxle. You should not allow your CV joint to be left hanging so there will be no effect on the hose.
Step 9
Once you have completely removed your joint, you can now easily replace it. You can use a joint banding tool to install the new joint into your system easily and couple your axle system back.
After coupling, fix your wheels and lower your vehicle. Then completely tighten the lug nuts of the wheels.
How Much Will a Replacement CV joint Cost?
Most CV joint start at around $50 to $100 for one piece. As a set, they can cost up to $100 to $200. These sets come with the CV joint for both the left and right drive wheels.
CV joint can come bundled with other suspension and drivetrain components such as the sway bar links, pitman arm, wheel hubs, and tie rod ends. These bundles can be useful if you’re repairing a vehicle that was damaged in a crash.
FAQs.
Q: How long can you drive with a damaged CV joint?
There is no fixed distance you can drive with a damaged CV joint, as it depends on the severity of the damage and your driving style.
It is important to have a CV joint repaired or replaced as soon as possible if it is damaged, as driving with a damaged joint can lead to more extensive damage and possibly even axle failure.
Q: What does it sound like when your CV joint goes out?
A CV joint going out often makes a loud popping or knocking noise when turning and accelerating, and it can cause the car to shake or wobble. In severe cases, the joint may completely fail, which can cause the car to become undriveable.
Q: Is it hard to replace a CV joint?
Yes. Replacing a CV joint can be quite a difficult and greasy job if you are not familiar with working on cars.
You may also need some special tools, depending on the car model. If you decide to attempt the replacement yourself, make sure you have all the necessary tools and knowledge required before starting any repairs.
Q: How long do CV joints last?
The lifespan of a CV joint varies depending on the car model, the driving conditions, and the maintenance (greasing). However, they typically last around 70,000 to 120,000 miles. If you drive in harsh conditions, they may only last for around 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
Final Words
It is important to note the symptoms of a bad CV joint, so you will know when this fault occurs in your vehicle and also advisable to check the repair manual of your vehicle before you start any repair; this is because some vehicle manufacturers have some repair specifications that need to be followed.
Strictly follow the guidelines highlighted above when you want to change your CV joint, and you should have no problem. If you need any help, always let us know.