You can save some money by replacing a CV joint yourself, but it will take some mechanical know-how and effort.
It is advised that you get a competent specialist to complete the task if you believe it to be too complicated. Additionally, this may aid safeguard you from nullifying any motor plan or guarantee.
However, replacing outer CV joints is rather simple if you already have some mechanical knowledge. In South Africa, CV joints for your specific car are also readily available.
In This Article...
How many hours does replacing a CV axle take?
Depending on the vehicle and whether further repairs are required, replacing a CV axle typically takes one and a half to three hours. A CV axle normally lasts between 70,000 and 130,000 miles, although they should be frequently checked for corrosion. For instance, a damaged boot lets grease leak from the CV joint it guards, thus reducing the lifespan of the axle. To keep the expense of this repair down, it is acceptable to merely replace one faulty CV axle as opposed to both (or all four in an all-wheel-drive automobile).
What equipment is required to replace CV axles?
Equipment & Tools Required to Replace a CV Axle
- breakable bar
- Hammer dead-on.
- Draining pan.
- Stands for Jack and Jack.
- a large mallet or hammer
- diagonal cutting pliers with a long grip.
- Pry bar or a puller for CV axles
- Set of sockets and ratchets.
Driven with a damaged CV axle?
A boot keeps the Constant Velocity closed. The joint could become worn out and possibly fail if this boot sustains injury. Driving an automobile with a broken CV may cause the joint to progressively deteriorate, rendering it impossible. You won’t be able to control the car, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
How much does it cost to replace a CV joint?
Depending on the automobile model and labor expenses, the average cost to replace a CV joint ranges from $150 to $850. The cost of a CV joint replacement’s labor ranges from $100 to $700, whereas the cost of a CV joint is between $50 and $150.
The total cost will vary depending on a number of factors if you need to replace the CV joint in your car. Before moving on, you must take these factors into account.
The cost to replace this component includes:
- Part Price: Depending on the automobile type and the CV joint brand, the cost of various CV Joints might vary greatly. Original parts are frequently more expensive, but they are of higher quality.
- The mechanic: You will need to locate a capable mechanic who can fix this component at a fair price. Getting quotes from a few different mechanics is a good idea. By doing so, you can save money by just paying what is necessary. It’s also important to consider the shop’s general reputation before bringing your car there.
- Car Type: The kind of car you drive will also have an impact on how much you pay for this work. On some cars, replacing the CV joint is simple, but on others, it may be very challenging.
How much does a CV axle’s labor cost?
Costs of replacing a CV axle A replacement axle shaft can be purchased for $60 to $150, and labor to replace one typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, costing $150 to $350.00.
How can you tell if a CV axle is failing?
These are the five simplest ways to tell if your CV axle is damaged.
- An opening in the boot.
- Your wheels have grease inside of them.
- a knocking noise
- Turning While Clicking.
- Driving While Vibrated
Are CV joints and CV axles the same thing?
In front-wheel drive cars, CV axles—also referred to as half-shafts—are utilized to transmit engine power from the transaxle to the two driving wheels. In addition to using CV axles, several late-model vehicles with independent rear suspension also include four-wheel and all-wheel drive.
- Connect the drive shafts to the drive wheels using the outer CV joint.
- Drive shafts are connected to the transmission by an inner CV joint.
These joints enable the axle to accommodate various travel conditions, such as the suspension’s up and down motion and cornering, while transferring engine power to the drive wheels at a steady pace. Without constant-velocity joints, when the car encountered a bump on the road or rounded a corner, the axles would bind or shatter. For the CV axle to operate at its optimum, joints must always be present and in good shape.
Knowing what a constant velocity axle is and how it connects to constant velocity joints, you can see that they are not the same thing but rather an integral part of one another. A CV axle includes CV joints, but what exactly are they?
CV joints
Commonly, CV joints are an element of the CV axle. A CV joint is a grouping of cages and bearings that permits power transfer and axle movement at a variety of angles. CV joints are made up of a cage, balls, and inner raceway that are all enclosed in housings that are covered with rubber boots and filled with lubricating grease.
The most frequent issue with CV joints is that they become damaged if the protective boot splits or tears. When that occurs, grease can leak and dirt and moisture can seep inside, shortening the joints’ lifespan since it wears out more quickly. As a result, it corrodes, loses lubrication, and becomes contaminated over time, eventually failing.
What to replace between a CV joint or CV axle?
If your vehicle develops issues, it’s best to replace the complete axle if the boot is ripped because there can be hidden damage to the CV joints, axle shafts, and other components that could lead to more significant unforeseen losses and costs.
After changing a CV axle, should I add transmission fluid?
The transmission and transfer case fluids are located up front. Transmission fluid lubricates the front differential, which is located inside the transmission case. A SMALL quantity of transmission fluid will leak out when the driver’s side axle is detached from the transmission. An intermediate axle that connects to the transmission is located on the passenger side and is typically left alone. Since the main axle on the passenger side only connects to the intermediate axle, there is no fluid loss when it is replaced. The fluid in the front transfer case is unaffected by the axle swap.
Should you swap out both CV axles at once?
It is frequently a wise decision to replace both shafts at the same time on a high-mileage car with a damaged CV joint or boot. Because right turns are more frequent than left turns and are made at a greater angle, the right (passenger side) shaft frequently fails first.
Is changing an axle difficult?
A front-wheel-drive axle replacement is simple but physically taxing. Prior to beginning, obtain the replacement axle, a fresh spindle nut, and one or more cotter pins.
How long will the CV axle continue to click?
Under normal driving circumstances, a CV axle may normally be counted on to last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. When you start to hear a loud, rhythmic clicking sound coming from the front wheel as you spin, you’ll know the axle is going to fail.
How quickly does a CV joint?
Constant Velocity (CV) joints attach the axles to the wheels in front-wheel drive automobiles. As the car is being driven, these permit the axle and wheel to flex (to account for turns, uneven surfaces, and more). The joint, however, is a weak link in the system. It requires lubrication and defense against dirt, dust, pebbles, and other foreign objects. The CV joint will eventually wear down and fail if the boot that seals it is destroyed because grease will leak out and contaminants will begin to grow.
Even while you’re driving, a severely worn-out CV joint could disintegrate, rendering the vehicle undriveable. You can completely lose control of the car. Driving while wearing a damaged CV joint is unsafe. Check for some signs of a failing CV joint so you can fix it before the car becomes unsafe to drive.
Suppose a CV joint malfunctions while you’re driving.
Many drivers are unaware of the fundamental relationship between the health of the automobile axles and CV joints and how well a vehicle’s wheel system performs. The vehicle’s steering, driving, and braking are all controlled by these parts, which transfer engine power to the wheels. They must be capable of supporting the entire weight of the vehicle, including passengers and cargo, in good condition. These joints can last up to 100,000 miles without needing to be replaced if they are not damaged.
You might be wondering what CV joints are. Simply put, CV joints, which connect the axles to the front wheels and are crucial for delivering torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a consistent speed, are complex ball and socket joints. For instance, each of the two car axles on front-wheel drive vehicles has two joints, one connected to the transmission and the other to the tire. A CV joint is greased and sealed with a rubber “boot” to ensure smooth operation. Your joints are safeguarded and your wheels are powered as long as this boot is intact. What transpires, though, if it fails? When CV joints malfunction, the result is instantaneous and occasionally dangerous since the engine’s ability to transmit power to the tires is lost.
What are the symptoms of a bad CV joint?
By being aware of what to look for and what to listen for, CV joint failure can be avoided. Your automobile will start to pull to one side as one wheel loses power if a CV joint starts to fail while you’re driving. Even though the engine may continue to operate after the joint entirely collapses, the automobile will remain stationary. Your front tires may not point in the same direction due to one of them being fully removed from its driving axle, and you may notice smoke escaping from the fractured joint. When you accelerate, you can experience vibrations or hear a loud clunk, and turning might cause grinding or clicking sounds.
What should you do if your CV joint fails? If you can, gently steer your automobile off the road before dialing a towing service. Get your automobile into the auto shop as soon as you can since failing CV joints offer a major risk. Your mechanic might be able to fix a little break in the outer CV joint by simply replacing the CV boot and repacking the grease, but if there is any significant damage, a new joint must be installed.