What else is a CV joint called?
Constant-velocity joints (also known as homokinetic or CV joints) allow a drive shaft to transmit power through a variable angle, at constant rotational speed, without an appreciable increase in friction or play. They are mainly used in front wheel drive vehicles.
Widely used phrases
There are two most commonly used types of CV joints: a ball-type and a tripod-type. In front-wheel drive cars, ball-type CV joints are used on the outer side of the drive shafts ( outer CV joints ), while the tripod-type CV joints mostly used on the inner side ( inner CV joints ).
Why do you need a CV joint in front wheel drive car?
The CV joints are needed to transfer the torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed, while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension. In front-wheel drive cars, CV joints deliver the torque to the front wheels during turns.
When do you know your CV joint is failing?
Grease coming out of a small crack or tear is an early sign of the CV joint boot failing. If the damage is larger, you might see dark grease splattered on the inside of the wheel rim and around the area inside of the drive wheel like in the photo.
How much does it cost to replace a CV joint?
This is much cheaper than replacing the whole CV joint or drive shaft. The CV joint boot replacement costs from $180 to $350. The part is usually not very expensive, but a fair amount of labor is involved to replace it. A CV joint boot is typically sold as a kit, with a fresh grease and new clamps.
What is a CV joint in a car?
A CV joint, or constant velocity joint, is part of a drive shaft, the shaft that attaches to a car’s transmission at one end and the wheel at the other. These joints are designed to be able to bend in any direction while continuing to turn the drive wheels at a constant velocity.
What happens if you have a bad CV joint?
The CV joint grease can also spin out of the joint, covering everything in that part of the system, which are tire, brake caliper, hub housing, or shock absorber. A faulty CV joint results in axle failure, which makes your car not safe to drive due to the poor handling ability of your vehicle.
Why do we need constant velocity CV joints?
These joints allow the axle to transfer the engine’s power to the drive wheels at a constant speed while accommodating for the different travel conditions, including the up and down motion of the suspension and cornering. Without constant-velocity joints, the axles would bind or break whenever the vehicle hit a bump in the road or turned a corner.
What do you need to know about CV joint boots?
Inspect the CV Joint Boots. When you are in a position to see one or both CV axles, look closely at the CV boots located at each end of the axle. (Each axle has two CV boots). Visually inspect each rubber boot for cracks and tears.