What to do if your CV axle is worn out?
Because the CV axle is constantly rotating and flexing to accommodate different road conditions, it can wear out and fail. The CV axle consists of a shaft with an inner and outer CV joint. The CV joints are protected with rubber boots and use a special grease for lubrication.
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.
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 do you remove the hub from a CV axle?
Tape the steering knuckle joint with a hammer (hitting the knuckle where the rod goes through and not the threaded portion of the tie rod) to help remove it. Unbolt the hub from the strut tower.
What should I do if my CV axle comes loose?
You can use a small pry bar or sturdy flathead screwdriver to pry the axle from the joint. If the axle doesn’t immediately come loose, try twisting it back and force to break the seal. It’s normal for some transmission fluid to leak out as you remove the axle from the cv joint. You should put down a catch pan.
How does a CV axle work on a front wheel drive car?
A typical inner CV joint has three rollers on a tripod (spider) that can slide inside the CV joint housing, so the CV axle can extend or contract as needed. Typical CV axle (shaft) of a front wheel drive car with a Rzeppa outer CV joint and closed tripod-style inner joint. The inner CV joint can work under small angle too.
How do you remove a pin from a CV axle?
Penetrating lubricant may help you more easily remove the pin and bolt. The tie rod may still be pretty snug in the steering knuckle even after removing the bolt. Tape the steering knuckle joint with a hammer (hitting the knuckle where the rod goes through and not the threaded portion of the tie rod) to help remove it.
What kind of joints does a CV axle have?
A CV axle or shaft has two constant-velocity or CV joints: inner and outer. A typical inner CV joint has three rollers on a tripod (spider) that can slide inside the CV joint housing, so the CV axle can extend or contract as needed. Typical CV axle (shaft) of a front wheel drive car with a Rzeppa outer CV joint and closed tripod-style inner joint.