When is the best time to replace an axle or cv shaft?
Axle / CV shaft assemblies do not really have a “best before” date. Most of the time, they will last the life of your vehicle. However, having said that, keep in mind that whenever your car is in motion, your axle / CV shaft assembly is working. And, like all moving metal parts, the axle / CV shaft can be subject to wear.
How are the CV joints on a car replaced?
Either the two CV joints on a drive axle can be replaced separately, if necessary. That involves removing the axle, removing the axle boot and then the joint, installing a new joint, new grease and the boot, then, reinstalling the axle in the vehicle.
What are the bearings on a CV axle?
CV axles have an inner joint and an outer joint. The inner joint has three rollers (a “tripod joint”) and a good range of motion. The outer joint has 5 bearings in a cage and an exceptional range of motion that allows the joint to follow the steering axis on the front wheels. The two CV joints on a drive axle can be replaced separately.
What to do if your CV axle is not catching?
Jack up your vehicle and put on the parking brake. Rotate your front tires forwards or backwards and if you hearing grinding and/or clicking, and the CV joint is not catching, most likely the one that needs replacement will be there.
How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?
In a typical small or medium front-wheel drive car, replacing one front CV axle with an aftermarket part costs from $180 to $410. OEM parts are more expensive, but the OEM quality is often better.
How are the two CV joints on a drive axle replaced?
The two CV joints on a drive axle can be replaced separately. That involves removing the axle, removing the axle boot and then the joint, installing a new joint, new grease and the boot, then, reinstalling the axle in the vehicle. This is almost never done.
What to do if your CV axle is stuck?
8) Remove the cv axle nut and apply rust penetrant to the splines on the cv axle shaft. Use a rubber mallet to disengage the cv axle shaft from the wheel hub. If it’s stuck, screw on the axle nut so it’s flush with the axle threads and tap it with a large mallet to disengage the splines.
What is a CV axle in a car?
What is a CV axle? It’s a shaft with constant-velocity (CV) joints that transfers the rotating torque to one of the drive wheels in a car. It might also be called a half shaft or drive shaft. A typical front-wheel drive car has two CV axles (CV shafts), one at each front wheel.