If you notice symptoms of a bad CV joint, then it really becomes a matter of concern. Because many different components play an important role in the operation of a vehicle’s wheel, Such as axles, CV joints, and transmissions. These components transfer the engine’s power to the vehicle’s wheels. The CV joint is a vital component among these components because it transfers the power of the engine to the wheels of the vehicle. But many times the CV joint in vehicles gets damaged, due to which many types of problems start appearing in the vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and replacement cost of worn CV joints in detail so that you can identify the symptoms of worn CV joints and resolve them in time.
The CV joint is a vital component in axle vehicles, transferring engine power through the transmission to the wheels, regardless of what angle the vehicle’s wheels are turning. The CV joint is used for both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive vehicles. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, CV joints are fitted to the half-shaft ends of the rear axle.
It is fitted with a rubber boot to cover the CV joint, which protects the CV joint from dust or any other type of debris, thereby providing longer life and better performance to the CV joint axle.
Symptoms Of A Bad CV Joint Axle
Symptoms of a bad CV joint axle include clicking or popping noises during turns, vibration while driving, difficulty steering, grease leaking from a damaged CV boot, and jumping while driving.
Let us know the symptoms of bad CV joint in detail one by one, which will help you to identify bad CV joint easily.
1. Vibration While Driving
The CV axle joints are located right next to the wheels of the vehicle.Any damage to them can directly affect your driving. If you suddenly feel that your vehicle is vibrating more than usual, it could mean that half of the shaft is damaged. However, there can be many other problems as well, which can cause additional vibrations while driving the vehicle. So if you experience this symptom, then you have to inspect the CV joint of the vehicle.
Because when you accelerate the vehicle due to a bad CV joint, then the vibration in the vehicle increases more or give your car an unusually buoyant feel, because the damaged CV joint will vibrate. In this position, it will not be able to balance properly during rotation. The more you accelerate the speed of the vehicle. With the same intensity, the vibration in the vehicle will become very high.
2. Grease Leakage
In a vehicle, the CV joint is always installed near the drive wheel. When the CV joint gets damaged due to any reason or the rubber boot bursts, grease starts leaking from the CV joint boot and this grease leaks and affects the drive of the vehicle. Starts falling on the inner edge of the wheel.
These symptoms and signs may also be signs of a bad CV joint. Therefore, if you see grease accumulating on the inside of the drive wheel, get the CV joint of your vehicle checked so that you can get rid of this problem in time.
3. Popping or Clicking Noise While Turning
You may hear an unusual noise while turning the wheels of the vehicle due to a bad CV joint. This noise gets louder and louder as the speed of the vehicle increases and due to a faulty CV joint, this noise is heard when the vehicle is steered both to the right and to the left and no noise is heard when the vehicle is driven in a straight direction.
4. Jumping While Driving
You must have seen this often. Sometimes there is a feeling of jumping while driving. A bad CV joint can cause a jump while driving, because a bad CV joint starts jerking the vehicle from the axle while rotating and when the speed of the car increases, then the car starts jumping more.
However, the symptoms of the vehicle jumping can also be due to some other problem in the vehicle. Therefore, if you notice signs and symptoms of jumping or jumping while driving, inspect the CV joint. Because jumping or jumping of the vehicle can badly affect the comfortable driving and control of the vehicle.
5. Steering Vibration
The steering assembly is attached to rotate the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle is controlled by steering and the vehicle can be turned in any direction. But sometimes a slight movement or vibration is felt in the steering wheel while driving. This type of movement or vibration in the steering wheel can also be caused by a damaged CV joint.
However, this problem can also be caused by bad wheel bearings, poor wheel balancing, incorrect alignment, or underinflated tires. Therefore, if you feel any movement or vibration in the steering wheel of your vehicle while driving in a straight direction, have your vehicle inspected by a professional vehicle mechanic.
How To Inspect For A Bad CV Joint Axle?
First of all, you should take your car to an open place so that it does not hit anything at a sharp turn.
After this, rotate the wheels of the vehicle completely in one direction.
Now move the vehicle forward or backward at high speed.
As your vehicle turns, a rattling noise will be heard from the wheels of the vehicle, which will indicate a bad CV joint in your vehicle.
After this, drive the vehicle forward or backward in a straight direction. If a squeaking or clicking sound is still heard,
The vehicle is driven straight. Then there could be many other reasons for this sound.
If there is no sound when the vehicle is driven in a straight direction. So this definitely indicates a bad CV joint in your vehicle.
CV Joint Axle Noise When Driving Straight
The CV joint generally does not produce noise when driving straight, as it is designed for a constant angle and load range. However, certain conditions may cause abnormal noise while the vehicle is moving straight. Such worn or damaged CV joints, due to extensive wear and a lack of lubrication, can also cause noise even during straight-line driving.
Additionally, noise coming from the CV joint while driving straight may originate from other suspension or drivetrain components, such as bad wheel bearings, bushings, or transmission problems. Therefore, if such a situation occurs, get your vehicle’s CV joint inspected and resolved by a qualified professional vehicle mechanic so that additional damage can be avoided.
How To Tell Which CV Joint Axle is Bad?
By observing the common symptoms of a CV joint while driving, you can know that the CV joint has been damaged. To inspect, first make sure which CV joint is bad, listen for clicking or popping sounds while driving, and take note of when the noise occurs.
If the knock is more pronounced and louder during turning, it is a problem with the outer CV joint. If you notice symptoms while driving directly, it could be a sign of an internal CV joint problem. Additionally, you can also inspect the CV boots for visible damage, cracks, or wear because a damaged boot starts leaking grease.
CV Joint Axle Replacement Cost
On average, CV joint axle replacement costs can range from $220 to $600 include mechanic labor costs. However, CV joint replacement cost also depends on the model of your vehicle, mechanic labor costs, and the brand of the CV joint, which may make its estimated cost more or less. Typically, the labor charge for a professional car mechanic can range from $150 to $400. Because replacing a CV joint is a time- and labor-intensive task.
FAQ’s
Q. Can you drive with a broken CV joint?
No, it is absolutely not safe to drive a vehicle with a broken CV joint. because the CV joint gives speed to the vehicle. And a broken CV joint can impair the control of your vehicle if it fails at high speed. A broken CV joint can increase the risk of accident for the vehicle.
Q. What is the typical life span of a CV joint?
Generally, CV joints are very long lasting car parts, that can successfully run between 100000 and 250000 miles with proper maintenance.
However, the life of the CV joint depends more on the driving habit and the location of the vehicle. because the life of a CV joint on vehicles running in dust or mud can be reduced.
Q. How much does it cost to replace a CV joint or CV axle?
If you get the repair or replacement of the CV joint from a certified dealer or mechanic instead of an independent mechanic. Then its cost can be expected to increase by 30% to 40%.
