When it comes to your car’s drivetrain, Constant Velocity (CV) axles play a crucial role in making sure power from the transmission gets to the wheels. If you’ve got a front-wheel drive vehicle, these axles are what keep your wheels spinning and turning as you steer.
But because CV axles are constantly rotating and flexing to handle different road conditions, they wear out over time. Knowing the symptoms of a bad CV joint can save you from bigger headaches down the road. In this article, I’ll break down five telltale signs that your CV axles might need replacing, so you can keep your ride smooth and safe.
Symptoms
When your CV axle starts to go bad, there are a few symptoms to watch out for that can help you catch the issue early and avoid more serious damage to your vehicle. Here’s a rundown of the common signs of a failing CV axle and what causes them:
Clicking Sound When Turning: If you hear a clicking noise when making sharp turns, especially at low speeds, it usually means the outer CV joint is worn out. The clicking is often loudest on the side opposite the turn. This happens because the joint is struggling to flex as it should, causing metal-on-metal contact.
Oh, and I gotta tell y’all, coincidentally, my car started making a distinct clicking sound from the right side whenever I turned left at low speeds. It turned out the culprit was an almost broken CV joint.
Clunking Sound on Acceleration or Deceleration: A clunking noise when you accelerate or let off the throttle can indicate a problem with the inner CV joint. This sound occurs because the joint has excessive play, making it knock around inside its housing.
Grease Leakage: We all know, leakages of any kind from fuel to exhaust are detrimental to the overall safety and performance of a vehicle and grease leakage is certainly not an exception. CV joints are protected by rubber boots filled with grease. If these boots crack or tear, grease can leak out. You’ll notice grease on the inside of your tire, steering, suspension components, or on the ground. Without enough grease, the joint can’t stay lubricated, leading to increased wear and eventual failure.
Vibration While Driving: A bent or damaged CV shaft can cause noticeable vibrations while driving, which get worse as you speed up. This vibration happens because the shaft isn’t spinning evenly anymore.
Knocking Sounds: Similar to the clunking sound, a knocking noise when accelerating or reversing might also point to a bad CV joint. This happens due to the joint wearing out or not having enough grease for proper lubrication.
How to Diagnose a Bad CV Joint
Diagnosing a bad CV joint can be tricky because many different problems can mimic its symptoms. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you accurately diagnose a failing CV joint:
Perform a Visual Inspection
Start with a visual check of the CV axle. Look for any tears or cracks in the rubber boots that protect the joints. If you see grease leaking from the boot, it’s a strong indication that the joint might be faulty or will soon be. In such cases, technicians typically recommend replacing the entire axle assembly rather than just the boot or joint.
Conduct a Test Drive
If the visual inspection doesn’t reveal any obvious issues, the next step is a test drive. Here’s how to do it:
- For Outer CV Joint: Drive to a parking lot and put your car in reverse. Turn the steering wheel all the way to one side and drive backward in a circle. Repeat this in the other direction. If you hear a clicking or snapping noise, the outer CV joint may be worn out
- For Inner CV Joint: Drive in reverse while accelerating and decelerating. Listen for a pronounced clunking noise, which can indicate a worn inner joint.
Check for Play in the Joint
If you’re still uncertain, you can check the inner joint for play. Safely raise and support your vehicle, then manually turn the wheel while holding the inner joint. Any noticeable play or movement can suggest a problem with the inner CV joint.
Rule Out Other Issues
Before concluding that the CV joints are the problem, it’s important to rule out other potential issues like worn transaxle mounts, which can cause similar symptoms. A thorough diagnostic approach will ensure you’re not replacing parts unnecessarily.
By following these steps, you can accurately diagnose whether a bad CV joint is the source of your vehicle’s issues. If you identify a problem, replacing the entire CV axle assembly is often the most cost-effective and reliable solution, ensuring that all components are new and in optimal condition.
Why You Should Replace The Entire Axle Assembly Instead of Just One bad CV Joint
When it comes to dealing with a bad CV joint, you might wonder whether it’s better to replace just the faulty joint or the entire axle assembly. Here are a few reasons why replacing the entire axle assembly often makes more sense:
Enhanced Safety
A worn-out CV axle can put extra stress on other parts of your car’s suspension system, which could lead to unexpected failures. By replacing the entire assembly, you ensure that all components are in good condition and work together properly, enhancing overall vehicle safety.
Better Cost-effectiveness
In many cases, replacing the entire axle assembly can be more cost-effective than just replacing one joint. The labor involved in replacing a single joint can be as high as that for the entire assembly. Plus, if the other joint is also nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing both at once can save you money in the long run.
Increased Efficiency
Swapping out the whole axle assembly is generally faster and easier than just replacing one joint. This is because it avoids the complex process of disassembling the old axle and rebuilding it with a new joint. The entire process is more straightforward and less time-consuming.
Labor and Time Savings
Repairing a single CV joint requires disassembly, cleaning, and re-greasing, which can be labor-intensive. In contrast, replacing the entire assembly simplifies the process and saves both time and effort.
Longer Lifespan
A new axle assembly means all components are brand new and in optimal condition. This not only improves the performance of the axle but also increases its lifespan, reducing the chances of future issues.
Ensured Compatibility and Quality
When you replace just one CV joint, there’s a risk of compatibility issues if components from different manufacturers are used. This can lead to premature failure or other problems. By replacing the whole assembly, you ensure that all parts are of consistent quality and designed to work together seamlessly.
However, replacing the entire axle assembly isn’t always the best option for everyone. For high-performance cars or if you’re on a tight budget, replacing just the joint might be more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision should be made by a qualified mechanic who can assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.
