How to Avoid Damage to CV Joint Components

The CV joint is a crucial part of your vehicle's drivetrain, and it can easily become damaged or destroyed. If this happens, you will have to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are many ways to help you avoid such a situation.

Symptoms of a bad CV joint

If you hear a clunking noise when you are driving or you feel vibrations in your vehicle, you may have a bad CV joint. This is a problem that could cause you to lose control of your car and put you in danger.

The CV joint is a component of any vehicle. It allows you to control your wheels with your steering wheel and distributes power from the transmission to the wheels.

Bad joints can cause your car to vibrate, bounce, and shake. They can also lead to a serious accident if you are not able to notice them in time. Knowing the symptoms of a bad CV joint will help you keep your vehicle in good condition.

Bad CV joints are generally located on the right side of your vehicle. You can identify them by listening to the clicking sounds they make when you turn left or right.

If you hear a clunking or clicking sound when you are turning, you should slow down. Turning your car in reverse can amplify the noise. Inspect the CV joint by turning your steering wheel to one side.

Check for excessive play in the inner and outer CV joints. Excessive play in the inner joint can be due to wear in the shaft bearings or a damaged boot.

Damage caused by a blown CV joint

If your car is making a screeching noise or your steering wheel seems to be jerking around, it's probably time to get a CV joint replacement. These vital components transfer power from the transmission to the drive wheels. They are also crucial for transferring torque, especially on front wheel drive vehicles.

A CV joint is made up of a pair of ball and socket joints that are mounted on an axle shaft. Each joint is covered by a rubber boot. This protects it from road debris, while maintaining friction.

The best CV joints are made from hardened materials to reduce wear. However, they can still fail. Sometimes the boot can become brittle, allowing water, dirt, and other debris to enter the joint.

One of the more common symptoms of a bad CV joint is a loud clicking noise during turns. Over time, this can increase in intensity, making your driving experience dangerous.

Another symptom of a bad CV joint is a lack of lubrication. When this happens, it's easier for dirt, dust, and other particles to get inside the joint, which can lead to more rust.

There are many factors that can cause a CV joint to malfunction. Some of these include:

Getting a CV joint replacement can save you from being stranded on the side of the road, as well as repairing it will prevent damage to other related parts.

How to maintain your CV joints

A CV joint is a critical part of your car's power transmission system. Its job is to transfer the power from the transmission to the wheels at a constant velocity. This allows for continuous power delivery when you are driving over potholes or bumpy roads.

CV joints come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are usually found on the front and rear wheels of a car. Front wheel drive cars typically have two CV axles, while all-wheel drive vehicles have four.

The joints are designed to last up to 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, these components can wear out without warning. However, you can catch an early sign of trouble. You will know when it's time to replace a CV joint when you hear a clicking noise or feel vibrations.

During a standard oil change, you can also look for signs of damage. If the joints are cracked, you might find a small leak. To clean it up, you can use a parts washer. Or you can opt for an air drying process.

Another indicator of a bad CV joint is when you hear a clicking noise while you are changing gears. This sound gets louder and more frequent as you turn.

If you notice a crack, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could ruin your day and leave you stranded on the side of the road.