The CV (Constant Velocity) axle of your vehicle plays an important role by transferring power from the transmission to the wheels. This allows your car to move without any bumps.
Over time, due to constant use of your vehicle, the CV axle may wear off and this can lead to issues with the performance of your vehicle and also lead to certain safety concerns.
To avoid any costly repairs, it is important to know the symptoms of a bad CV axle so that you can keep your vehicle safe for driving.
Article Summary
Symptoms Of A Bad CV Axle
Keep an eye on this part, follow maintenance suggestions, and react quickly to any unusual sounds or control issues, your CV axle could be much happier for a long time. And if in doubt, do yourself a favour and don’t ignore the signs of a bad CV axle to avoid having to struggle with your car to get where you’re going.
1. Clicking Or Popping Noises
A constant or intermittent clicking or popping sound when turning is the most common sign of a failing CV axle. Your CV joint has now been exposed to more wear, and the lack of lubricating grease allows the metal components of the CV joint to grind against each other, producing a telltale sound. When you hear this, take it as a good sign that something needs to be done.
2. Grease on The Inside or Edge of The Tires
If you see grease splattered inside your trye or along the edges of the tyre rim, one likely culprit is a torn boot that’s protecting the CV axle. The boot keeps the joint well-lubricated with grease, and away from dirt and debris.
When the boot is severed, the joint gets a grease bath and comes into closer contact with dirty grime that will quickly wear it out; if the problem isn’t correctly addressed, it will usually lead to an eventual utter failure of the CV axle.
3. Vibration While Driving
Another symptom of a bad CV axle is excess vibration in the drivetrain. You will usually feel this first through your steering wheel and it will become more pronounced as you accelerate.
A broken CV axle has the potential to make the axle shaft unbalanced, causing uneven wear on the tires and an uncomfortable ride. This could lead to further damage to others as well.
4. Knocking Sounds
A failing CV axle can also cause knocking noises, especially when going over a bump or uneven surface. In this case, the noise originates from a faulty CV (constant velocity) joint that allows the axle to sit in proper alignment. The knocking can begin faintly and only get worse as the condition worsens.
5. Difficulty in Turning
A defective CV axle will result in difficulty turning the car, or not having your vehicle properly respond to the steering the way it used to. This part allows for proper rotation between the wheels and the transmission, rotating with the wheels at the necessary angle.
This movement needs to be seamless, and when the joint is compromised, it will affect the turning of your car.
6. Car Pulling To One Side
If your CV axle is failing, your vehicle will likely pull toward one side (especially when accelerating), as the axle is no longer evenly distributing the power it receives. If your car is drifting toward one side or beginning to require constant steering correction, take a look at that CV axle.
How To Correct CV Axle Angle: A Step-by-Step Guide
The CV (Constant Velocity) axle is the shaft that runs from your vehicle’s transmission through the rear differential or front axle to the wheels. It delivers power to the wheels from the transmission. Your CV shaft probably has a pair of joints known as CV joints at the drive side and driven side.
The joints are supported at the vehicle axle and wheel ends by bearings. Inside the CV joints, you’ll find balls and rollers. These joints are required because the angle of the axle changes as the vehicle is moved.
Having the incorrect CV axle angle can cause premature wear of the CV joints, excessive vibration, and various drivetrain issues. It’s important to always maintain the correct CV axle angle.
In this article, you’ll learn how to correct the CV axle angle in your vehicle.
1. Diagnose the Problem
Before you start fiddling with it, though, you need to be sure that your CV axle angle is misaligned in the first place. Here are some clues:
Vibrations: Noticeable vibrations while driving, particularly during acceleration.
Popping or Clicking Noises: Especially when turning or driving over bumps.
Uneven Tire Wear: Caused by improper alignment and CV axle angle.
2. Check Vehicle Ride Height
Another common reason for imprecise CV axle angles is a change in ride height, usually from a suspension lift or lower, making it an easy goal to look out for. First, measure the ride height of your vehicle if there may be a modification that has changed it:
Mark a fixed point on the side of the body, such as the centre of a wheel well, and get out your tape measure to see how far it is to the ground.
Compare this measurement to the manufacturer’s specifications.
You may have an issue with your CV axle angle if your vehicle is set lower than stock ride height.
3. Adjust Suspension Components
If you’ve discovered that the suspension height has got the CV axle angle out of line, you’ll need to change the suspension components as well: 25 steps for lifting a vehicle, 25 steps for lowering it.
For Lifted Vehicles:
Lowering kit (Drop Kits) or Install Raising Kit (Lowering Kits): These will re-institute the angle of the control arms and CV axles to their original positions.
Adjust or Add Spacer Blocks: Spacer blocks change the angle at the axle by changing the relationship between the two suspension arms.
For Lowered Vehicles:
Adjustable Control Arms: These allow you to adjust the suspension geometry, such as the angle of the CV axle.
A set of Camber Adjustment Kits is inserted that changes the angle of the wheel, which in turn changes the angle of the CV axle.
4. Inspect And Adjust The Control Arms
The CV axle is designed to function as a Y-shape, locking in the wheels and turning them as needed for safe travel. If the control arms are bent or misaligned, they can throw off the CV axle angle:
Inms: Visually inspect the arms for wear and damage, and replace if necessary.
Tighten Control Arms: If your control arms are adjustable, adjust them to bring your CV axles back to the proper angle.
5. Use Axle Shims
Another option to correct the CV axle angle is with axle shims:
Position The Launcher The shims can be placed between the axle housing and a leaf spring or other mounting points such as control arms to alter the angle of the axle with respect to the vehicle’s frame.
6. Check The CV Axle Boots
After making adjustments, it’s important to check the condition of the CV axle boots:
Check for Tears and Oil Leaks: Ensure the boots are whole and sealed and not have any oil leaks. Damaged boots should be fixed to ensure working condition.
Packase: If necessary, repack the CV joints with fresh grease to lubricate the joints and restore movement.
7. Test Drive And Reassess
Then, after making your modifications, drive it to make sure you’ve put the angle back in your CV axle:
Feel for Vibrations If the adjustments worked, you should see far fewer vibrations.
Listen for Noises: Make sure there are no more clicking sounds or popping noises when you turn or hit bumps.
Check Tire Wear: Check from time to time for uneven wear which may result in further alignment adjustment.
8. Consult A Professional (If Needed)
Unfortunately, if you are even the slightest bit unsure about any of these steps, or the problem persists even after making the adjustments, you would be better off having a real mechanic make the diagnosis and then get the correction to that CV axle you need.
FAQs on Signs Of A Bad CV Axle
What Causes A CV Axle To Fail?
Causes of failure include wear over time due to use or exposure to severe driving conditions can certainly be a factor, as can damage to the protective CV boot, which can tear, allowing dirt and moisture to get into the CV joint and wash away the grease, eventually causing joint failure. If the vehicle has had its suspension modified by lifting or lowering, this can also be a common source of CV axle wear out, but for obvious reasons, lowering lower types of vehicles tends to be more frequent cause of axle failure.
Can I Drive With A Damaged CV Axle?
It is not a good idea to ride with a damaged CV axle. A broken CV axle will badly vibrate and make a terrible clicking noise, which could lead to a total breakdown and you left stranded on the highway. On top of that, broken CV axle could cause even more damage to the rest of the drivetrain. When you suspect a broken CV axle, you should better take it to a shop for inspection and repair as soon as possible.
How Much Does it Cost To Replace A CV Axle?
The replacement CV axle price varies according to your vehicle’s make and model and the labor rates in your area. A single CV axle replacement costs between $200 and $500 (parts and labour). If both need to be replaced, the price will be higher. If you call a trustworthy mechanic, they should be able to specific the cost for your car.
Final Words
By adhering to these steps to correct the CV axle angle, you can significantly improve the longevity of your vehicle’s drivetrain and your enjoyment of your vehicle.
By following these steps to correct the CV axle angle, you can often avoid the common problems associated with excessive CV axle angles and keep your vehicle running as it was designed to do.
If you ever find yourself unsure of what to do, mechanic advice will steer you in the right direction to avoid more involved and costly problems.
