Can you replace only 1 CV joint?

Can you replace only 1 CV joint?

CV joints and boots can be replaced individually, but most professional technicians and even do-it-yourselfers prefer to replace the whole halfshaft assembly with a remanufactured shaft. On a high-mileage vehicle with a bad CV joint or boot, it’s often a good idea to replace both shafts at the same time.

Do you have to replace the whole CV joint?

While larger punctures will result in dark-colored grease being visibly splattered all over, catching the problem sooner rather than later means you’ll be able to get away with replacing only the CV boot itself. A whole new CV joint is a considerably more expensive part to replace if the problem is ignored.

Are there any aftermarket CV joint boot kits?

Aftermarket’s Rear CV Joint Boot focuses on rear-wheel-drive VW vans from 1968-1992, and Vemo’s Inner CV Joint Boot Kit focuses on front-wheel-drive VW vans through 2003. Vaico CV boot kits provide good coverage for Mercedes models from 1986-on along with later BMWs, VWs, and Audis.

Where is the CV joint on a rear wheel drive car?

Many modern rear-wheel-drive cars with independent rear suspension setups also use CV joints at the ends of rear axle half-shafts, and even driveshafts in some cases. A closer look at how a CV boot surrounds and encases a typical CV joint.

What happens when a CV joint Tears on a car?

When a CV boot tears, grease packed inside will fly out as the axle rotates. A faulty outer CV joint will make a popping or clicking noise as your steering wheel is turned – becoming louder as you accelerate around a corner. While inner CV joint failures aren’t as common, symptoms include shimmying or shake from side-to-side as you accelerate.

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 should I do if my CV joint is worn out?

A CV joint boot is typically sold as a kit, with a fresh grease and new clamps. If a CV joint itself is worn out, it cannot be repaired; it will have to be replaced with a new or reconditioned part. Sometimes, a CV joint does not come separately. In this case, a whole drive shaft will need to be replaced.

How does a CV joint work in a front wheel drive car?

CV Joint, how it works, symptoms, problems. CV Joints in a front-wheel drive vehicle. All front-wheel drive cars have Constant Velocity joints or CV joints on both ends of the drive shafts (half shafts). Inner CV joints connect the drive shafts to the transmission, while the outer CV joints connect the drive shafts to the wheels.

What are the different types of CV joints?

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). The CV joint boot looks OK.