CV Joints, or Constant Velocity joints, allow power to be transmitted from the gearbox to the wheels at a variable angle, with a constant rotational speed, free from vibration.
CV Joints can be found in all FW drive vehicles, all AWD vehicles and all RWD vehicles with independent rear suspension. The power transmission sequence is: Engine > Clutch > Gearbox > Driveshafts > Hub >Wheels.
CV Joints are a critical part of any vehicle that has them. Fitting good quality CV Joints will ultimately save the vehicle owner a great deal of money and time. A severely worn CV joint could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. To avoid this happening, it is suggested good practice to replace the whole CV joint with a new, good quality, CV joint kit.
How to determine, in a simplified manner, whether it’s the inner CV or outer CV joint that’s failing.
- Inner CV Joints tend to make a clunking noise while under heavy acceleration.
- Outer CV Joints tend to make a clicking noise while the vehicle is turning.
Vibrations while driving
- If you feel a lot of vibration while accelerating, there’s a good chance that the cv joint or cv shaft is the cause.
- It is not safe to drive the vehicle like this.
Inspect the inside of your tyre, or rim, for grease
If you find grease on the inside of the rim or tyre wall, there’s a very good chance that the outer cv joint boot has a tear in it. If this tear is noticed early enough you might get away with only needing a cv boot kit replacement. In most cases, debris has entered the tear already and dust particles have already made their way through to the cage of the cv joint, which will result in premature failure.
Knocking sound
If you hear a knocking sound while driving it doesn’t necessarily mean that the CV joint is the cause. There are other parts that could cause this very symptom, but it is one of the indications of a worn CV joint.
Clicking noise while turning
If you hear a clicking noise when making a turn while driving this is a good indication that a CV joint is worn.
Bouncing whilst driving
If the vehicle is bouncing on a flat surface while driving this is another indication of a worn CV joint.
Did You Know?
Outer CV Joints and boots are more prone to wear than the inner CV Joints and boots. This is because the outer CV Joints move much more than the inner.
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