The 5 warning signs of a bad CV joint (and the cost of replacing it)

There are two types of CV axles: constant velocity axles and constant speed axles. An axle with constant velocity is referred to as a half shaft since it transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, making it possible for the vehicle to move forward. It is a very important piece of engineering, so you should keep an ear out for indications that it may be giving off signs that it is malfunctioning. If you notice any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that you have a bad CV axle, so please take your vehicle to your nearest Chevrolet service center as soon as possible.

During suspension movement, the CV joints ensure that the suspension is able to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. In this article, we will explain how to tell when a CV joint is failing and how much it will cost to replace it.

CV Joint Location

Normally, the CV Joint can be found near the outer part of the suspension at each drive wheel, behind the brake discs and the hubs of the wheels.

There is a CV joint on each wheel of a 4WD vehicle; if it is not a 4WD vehicle, each drive wheel has only one CV joint.

Without removing the CV joint boot, you will not be able to see the CV joint itself, since it is covered with a CV joint boot.

Bad CV joints: 5 symptoms

As an integral part of the axle shaft, the CV joint is also known as the constant velocity joint. As a result of its importance, this part cannot be ignored because it affects whether or not the car can move forward or backward.

CV joints are most commonly afflicted by problems caused by a lack of grease, as the part is not adequately lubricated due to the lack of grease. The cause of this problem is usually a broken boot on the CV joint. Over time, this will result in all sorts of debris being thrown into the joint, which will cause significant wear and tear on the joint as a result.

There are some symptoms of a bad CV joint that you should be aware of in order to help you avoid them. You will be able to spend much less money on the repairs or replacement work if you are able to spot this issue as early as possible. Here are some signs that we should be aware of:

CV joints that are bad or failing can cause the following symptoms:

Turning makes knocking noises

If you notice a knocking sound from your car while you are turning, that is a common symptom of a bad CV joint. As a result, joints may not be properly lubricated or may wear out over time as a result of not being properly lubricated. You are likely to be closer to total breakage if the sound you hear is louder than normal.

It is for this reason that all car owners should pay attention to the sounds that their vehicles emit on a daily basis. As the part’s wear increases, the noise will become audible at first, but as the part’s wear progresses, the noise will become increasingly noticeable.

In addition to this sound, there is also a metallic screeching sound that can be described as a metallic screech. Typically, the noise is most noticeable when the vehicle is accelerating and when the steering wheel is turned. It is likely that you will not have to wait long for the part to completely break after you notice this happens.

Excessive Vibration

If your CV joint is on its way out, then you will probably notice that it is vibrating a lot more than usual if you have the CV joint on its way out. When these vibrations are powerful, they can render normal driving practically impossible in some cases.

This is when you need to have a professional take a look at your vehicle so they can determine what is wrong with it. It should be noted, however, that even minor vibrations can cause concern.

Problems with the steering wheel

If it gets to the point that you are having difficulty turning your car, then it is most likely that your CV joint is nearing the end of its life. In spite of the fact that there could be many reasons for steering problems, this particular component is often the cause of the problem.

There is a real danger here in the sense that your vehicle will suddenly stop moving forward or backwards if the part is snapped.

Leakage of grease

It is common for grease to leak out from the boot of a CV joint when it is damaged. It is important that you take your car to be checked immediately if you see grease under your car or on your tires.

A broken CV joint boot is often the cause of the CV joint going bad because dirt, dust, and water will get into the CV joint and wash away the grease as a result of dirty, dusty and wet conditions in the CV joint.

Having a problem with the CV axle is one of the more common signs that you might have a problem with the system. It is likely that a complete replacement will be needed if it has reached this point.

Vehicle control problems

CV joints that are worn out and damaged often cause loss of control. Whether it is a problem with turning or maintaining a straight course on the road, this can be just about anything.

Even on a flat area of the road, if your car is particularly bouncy, this could pose a problem even if it is driving on a flat surface. The more wear and tear the part undergoes, the more severe the problem will become. In the event that the joint becomes worn down to the point where it becomes unsafe, it can be extremely dangerous.

Cost of replacing a CV joint

Depending on the model of the car and labor costs, the cost of replacing a CV joint is usually between $150 and $850. The price of a CV joint ranges from $50 to 150 dollars, while the labor cost of replacing a CV joint is between $100 and $700 dollars.

In order to determine how much it will cost you to replace the CV joint in your vehicle, several factors will need to be considered. It is essential that you take into account these things before moving forward.

In order to determine the cost of replacing this part, we need to consider some factors, such as:

1. The mechanic – This part needs to be repaired by a mechanic who is skilled and can do this for a reasonable price. Getting quotes from a few different mechanics is a good idea when you are thinking about having your car repaired. This is the best way to ensure that you do not overpay for the service. Taking your vehicle to a shop that has a good reputation is also a crucial consideration for you.
2. Car Type – The type of car you own will also have a bearing on the amount of money you will have to pay for this type of repair. In some cases, it is relatively easy to replace the CV joint on a car, while in others, it might be quite complicated.
3. Parts Cost – It is possible for the price of CV joints to vary widely depending on the car model and the brand of CV joint used in the car. There is no doubt that buying original parts will cost more, but you will be getting a better quality part.

Conclusion

It is also important to note the make and model of the vehicle you own, as well as the difficulty of performing the replacement job on that vehicle. In essence, the longer it takes them to provide the service, the more expensive it will be.

Your auto technician or mechanic should also make sure that the boots and axles can be properly inspected, the latter being particularly important since this is a large service job. If there is grease on the tires, there may be a leak coming from the boots of the CV when there is grease on the tires.

Additionally, if you hear any very loud clicking sounds when you turn, it is likely that you need to also replace the axle if the clicking is very loud.

CV Joint FAQs