What is a constant velocity drive axle?
Front-wheel drive axles are built with CV, or Constant-Velocity, joints. These joints make it possible for the transmission to drive the front wheels, smoothly and reliably, by permitting a range of motion through the use of bearings. In short, CV axles make angles and axle movement possible.
How does a constant velocity ( CV ) axle work?
Constant-velocity (CV) joints allow the drive shaft to transmit power through a variable angle, at a constant rotational speed, without a considerable increase in friction. The CV joints are also responsible for a smooth transfer of engine power regardless of the turning angle of the steering wheel.
What’s the difference between a CV axle and a drive shaft?
The part I know for sure on my car is labeled as the CV Axle from the parts store I buy from, but I’ve been reading the terms drive axle, drive shaft, and CV shaft pop up. A family member also used the term spindle when I was talking about possibly needing to replace my CV axle.
Why are CV joints important in constant velocity drive?
This allows torque output from the transaxle to the driven wheels to remain unchanged from the transaxle to the wheels even as the suspension (and the CV shaft) changes angles during up/down travel and during turns. CV joints don’t cause restrictions during angle changes, as compared to universal (U-type) joints.
Where are the CV joints on a front wheel drive car?
All front-wheel drive vehicles have CV joints on both ends of the axle drive shafts, also known as half shafts. Inner CV joints connect the axle drive shafts to the transmission or differential, while the outer CV joints connect the axle drive shafts to the wheels.
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.
This allows torque output from the transaxle to the driven wheels to remain unchanged from the transaxle to the wheels even as the suspension (and the CV shaft) changes angles during up/down travel and during turns. CV joints don’t cause restrictions during angle changes, as compared to universal (U-type) joints.
Why is a CV axle called constant velocity?
It is called “constant velocity” due to the way it’s designed. No matter which way the outer section is turned, it will remain at the same speed as the inner section. This allows for smooth power to be transmitted. U-joints don’t work the same, as speed actually varies as the yokes are turned over the u-joint. Here’s an image of a typical CV axle:
When does a CV axle become loose and click?
When CV axles become excessively worn, the constant velocity joints will become loose and click when turning or accelerating. The clicks may become louder or more pronounced during sharper and faster turns and will be heard on the side with the faulty CV shaft.