Most drivers out there don't know the impacts of CV joints in their car's wheel system. These components work as a link between the vehicle and its engine. Besides that, the joint is interrelated to the vehicle driving, steering, and braking system.
The carrying capacity of a vehicle depends a lot on those parts so, their importance is undeniable. In good condition, these joints will be able to give you good support up to 100,000 miles without any necessity of a replacement.
On the other hand, a damaged CV joint can affects the vehicle's performance pretty badly. So, understanding the basics of a CV joint will save you from a lot of burdens.
In today's article, you explore the symptoms of a bad CV joint so that you can track one immediately. So before further ado, let's get started.
What is a CV Joint?
The CV joint means constant velocity joint. A CV joint enables a drive shaft to transfer power throughout a variable angle to maintain a continual rotational speed. In this process, there's no significant rise in friction or play.
You will mostly find them in front drive-based vehicles. In modern rear-wheel driving system-based cars, CV joints come with independent rear suspension and are placed at the end of the rear axle half shaft. There's two CV joint in each drive wheels protected by a rubber boot.
7 Symptoms of a Bad CV Joint
Understanding how's your CV joint is doing is not that difficult. Here we have explained seven symptoms you may notice when your CV joint is not working accordingly.
- Grease on the Edge of Tire or wheel
- Vibration While Driving
- Movement Causes Knocking Sounds
Clicking Noises When Turning - Bouncy Driving
- Smoke from Faulty Joint
- Rough Driving Experience
1. Grease on the Edge of Tire
An easy way of acknowledging the issue with the CV joint is by observing the tire. If you ever notice a stream of grease on the inside edge of your tire or in the underpart of your vehicle, you can be sure that your CV joint is not functioning well.
It may happen mostly because torn boot leaking grease splits around when the vehicle's axels make any turn. A leaking boot will make the CV joint defective by the passage of time. If there is a leak, then dirt and debris will get inside the boot and make the joint defective.
The grease leaks will also hamper the proper supply of lubricant in the system and causing growling noise also, steady knocking when you are going at low speed.
2. Vibration While Driving
A faulty CV axle can also cause extreme vibration in the axle when you are driving. A damaged CV joint is not capable of balancing the rotation system as a result; the shaft will start to vibrate excessively when the vehicle is running. You will notice the level of vibration is picking up with the speed increasing of your car.
It will not only just give you an uncomfortable and annoying riding experience but also create an issue in controlling the vehicle endangering your safety. As soon as you notice the damaged CV is causing excessive vibration, replace it right away.
CV axle plays the role of the main link between your vehicle's wheels and engine. In transmitting the torque from the drivetrain directly to your vehicle's wheel, they play a significant role in running the vehicle. So, whenever you notice your CV shaft has become defective, you should consider it seriously and take the necessary action.
3. A Knocking Sound
Your vehicle CV joint can wear out after it's a long time use. If you ever hear a knocking sound from your vehicle's wheel, you can be almost sure your CV joint is damaged. This knocking sound usually comes from the inner joint of the front wheel driving a system-based car.
When it comes to rear-wheel-driven systems, you may hear it from the inner or outer joints. This sound may also emit from different gears of your vehicle. To be sure of this issue, putting your vehicle in reverse and accelerating the deaccelerating may show you a concrete result.
When performing this action, if you hear the knocking sound, you can be sure the CV joint needs replacement.
4. Clicking Noises When Turning
One of the most noticeable signs that indicate a damaged CV joint is hearing an unusual clicking noise while making a turn. When your vehicle's CV joint worn out, the joint will start to get loose and create a click while turning.
You may hear a louder clicking sound when making a faster turn. Also, you will get to listen to this from the damaged CV shaft's side.
5. Bouncy Driving
When you drive on a flat paved road, and your car is jumping around like a kangaroo gone crazy, then it's probably, your CV joint is damaged. If you go to the auto shop, they can verify it momentarily.
6. Smoke from Faulty Joint
At some point, your vehicle's CV joint will reach its dead end, and then you won't be able to turn the wheels anymore. Though the engine might be running, your vehicle won't likely move ahead.
After that, you may notice smoke is releasing from the damaged joint, and the front tires aren't indicating the same direction. That's because it's detached from the drive axle.
7. Rough Driving Experience
The CV joint of your vehicle positively affects your overall driving experience. By balancing the control of the rotation, it keeps your vehicle running smoothly. But the moment it becomes defective, your entire driving system will be affected. You won't be able to drive your car smoothly anymore.
Is Your Car Drivable with A Bad CV Joint?
Well, the answer is no; you won't be able to drive your car with a bad CV joint. When the CV joint gets worn out, the vehicle will become completely undrivable as the wheels will become disconnected from the steering. So, we would highly advise you not to try to drive with a damaged CV joint.
Can CV Joint Be Repaired?
You won't be able to repair your broken CV joint. So, you have to get it replaced. Also, remember that sometimes the CV joint may not come as a separate part. In this kind of situation, you will have to get the entire driveshaft system replaced.
After doing some heavy research on the hardware market and analyzing customers' feedback, we have made a list of the Best CV joints in the market.
CV Joints Replacement Costs
To replace a double axle joint will cost you the double of single. The cost may vary from 150$ to 400$ for the parts. Including the labor cost, you might have to spend around 240$ to 1200$. However, that depends on the condition of your repair.
But when it comes to replacing the entire driving shaft, this may cost you from 380$ to 780$ in a typical repair shop.
Final Words
The CV joint of your vehicle is a sensitive part so, when you notice it's not working as it is supposed to be, you should get it replaced as soon as you can. A damaged CV joint may put yourself and the passengers at greater risk.
So, you now you know the symptoms of a bad CV joint, you should be able to identify the issue at a moment's notice. And you know what to do next. That's all for today. Thanks for your reading.
