Hearing strange noises or feeling unusual vibrations as you drive?
These could be symptoms of a bad CV axle.
If neglected, it can lead to serious safety concerns and expensive repairs.
But don’t stress.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify early warning signs and ensure a smooth ride.
This Article Contains:
- 4 Common Symptoms of a Bad CV Axle
- How to Diagnose a Bad CV Axle: 2 Quick Tests
- Is it Safe to Drive with CV Axle Problems?
- How Much Does a CV Axle Replacement Cost?
- 3 FAQs About CV Axles
4 Common Symptoms of a Bad CV Axle
The CV (Constant Velocity) axle, which contains the inner CV joint, the outer CV joint, and the CV boot, works together to transfer engine power to the wheels and allow for smooth suspension and steering.
A broken CV joint or damaged CV boot can lead to several issues, resulting in these common bad CV axle symptoms:
1. Clicking or Popping Noises When Turning
The inner CV joint in the car axle allows the axle to flex and rotate while maintaining power delivery to the wheels. Over time, the protective CV rubber boot surrounding the CV joint (constant velocity joint) can also tear or degrade, leading to damage to the CV axle joint.
A loud clicking or popping sound usually presents itself when you turn your car and is often caused by the loose joints of a worn CV axle (AKA a CV shaft).
2. Vibration While Driving
CV joint failure results from the joint becoming less lubricated, causing increased metal-on-metal contact. Additionally, the car axle can lose its shock-absorption capabilities, manifesting as vibration in the steering wheel.
Although several other issues can cause this symptom, if the vibrations increase with speed or make the car feel more bouncy than normal, it may be an issue with the CV axle.
3. Knocking Sounds
A knocking or clunking sound, especially rhythmic, often indicates a bad CV axle. If the knocking sound is more pronounced when moving in reverse, it tends to suggest a bad axle.
If the axle is the issue, it’s typically due to a worn-out joint or insufficient grease inside the joint to provide proper lubrication.
4. Grease Leak on the Tires
The CV joint boot on the axle contains grease to keep the axle spinning smoothly. However, a damaged CV joint boot can cause a grease leak. If there’s a tear in the boot, the lack of lubrication can eventually lead to CV joint failure. If you notice any grease on the edge of your tire or the inside of the wheel, bring your car in for an inspection.
Understanding the common symptoms of a bad CV axle is the first step.
Next, let’s explore how to accurately diagnose a bad CV axle to address the problem head-on.
How to Diagnose a Bad CV Axle: 2 Quick Tests
Issues with other components, such as a worn wheel bearing, can mimic many symptoms of a bad CV axle. So, before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to confirm that the culprit is indeed the CV shaft.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Perform a Visual Inspection
Start by visually inspecting the CV axle. If it looks undamaged, check if the CV boot is torn. If so, there’s a good chance you have a failing CV joint, potentially leading to axle failure.
In this case, the best thing to do is replace the entire CV axle assembly to avoid axle failure.
2. Go for a Test Drive
If you can’t see anything wrong with the axle joints and boots, the next thing to do is drive the vehicle in a parking lot. Start by reversing the vehicle, turning the steering wheel to one side, and driving backward in a circle. Repeat the process by turning the steering wheel in the other direction. If you hear a pronounced clicking noise, the outer CV joint may be worn, and you’ll need a CV joint repair.
To check the inner CV joint, drive the vehicle in reverse while accelerating and decelerating. A clear clunking sound suggests a bad axle and an issue with the inner CV joint.
Once you’ve diagnosed a bad CV axle, it’s crucial to understand the safety implications.
Is it Safe to Drive with CV Axle Problems?
You should never drive with a bad axle. A faulty or damaged CV axle can compromise your wheel alignment and steering, making the vehicle difficult to control, especially when turning.
It can also damage other components, leading to more costly repairs down the line, such as brake repair or transmission repair.
Surely, a bad CV axle requires a timely fix.
But how would you need to pay for a CV axle replacement?
How Much Does a CV Axle Replacement Cost?
Replacing a bad axle costs between $250 and $500 at an auto repair shop, depending on the vehicle and labor rates. Parts typically range between $60 and $150, while labor should be roughly $180 to $350.
Installing a new CV axle takes roughly 1.5 to 3 hours and is best left to a skilled mechanic with the required expertise and tools.
On the other hand, a CV joint repair can cost between $1,100 and $1,160. This is a more expensive job because it’s more labor-intensive. That’s why mechanics usually suggest replacing the entire CV axle assembly rather than fixing the joint.
Now, you might have a few doubts about CV axles, so let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions next.
3 FAQs About CV Axles
Here are answers to some common queries to better your understanding of CV axles:
1. How Does the CV Axle Work?
The CV axle, or Constant Velocity axle, helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels and accommodates the movement of the suspension components. Vehicles can have several types of axles, and while they all serve similar purposes, the CV axle shaft is one of the most common.
They’re usually found in a front wheel drive vehicle and are made up of several parts:
- Inner CV joint: Positioned near the transmission, it connects the CV axle shaft to the transmission or differential. This placement allows the inner joint to facilitate axle movement as the vehicle’s suspension components move, ensuring consistent power transmission.
- Outer CV joint: Located near the wheel hub, the outer CV joint transfers power to the wheel assembly and adjusts to the steering angles. This ensures smooth power delivery and creates a more comfortable ride.
- CV boot: The CV boot is a flexible rubber cover that encases the constant velocity joint, protecting it from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. The rubber boot also contains the grease that lubricates the CV joint.
2. How Do You Differentiate Between a Bad Wheel Bearing and a Bad CV Joint?
Clicking or popping sounds are associated with a bad CV joint, while a grinding or growling noise that increases with vehicle speed is often indicative of a bad wheel bearing. Uneven tire wear and excessive play in the steering wheel are further symptoms of wheel bearing issues.
3. How to Extend the CV Axle Lifespan?
Here’s how to reduce the likelihood of a broken CV joint, damaged CV joint boot, or complete CV axle failure:
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, including regular inspections and replacements of the CV joint boot by a qualified mechanic.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle.
- Avoid driving over potholes and rough terrains to minimize stress on the CV axle shaft.
- Ensure that the CV axles are properly lubricated to reduce friction and wear.
- Refrain from using lift kits for increasing the distance between the differential and wheel hub. This puts additional pressure on the CV axle shaft, joints, and boots.
- Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- When replacing CV axles, use quality auto parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Ensure Your CV Axle is in Top Condition with AutoNation Mobile Service
A bad CV axle can lead to serious safety hazards on the road. Fortunately, there are several symptoms to look out for, like unusual noises, vibrations, and leaks. If you notice any of these signs, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop ASAP to avoid more costly repairs.
Or you can have a mechanic from AutoNation Mobile Service come to you.
Our mobile mechanics are available seven days a week, and we offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty for your peace of mind.
Contact us today for all your vehicle repair needs, including brake repair and transmission repair.