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 much time does a mechanic need to fix a CV joint?
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).
How much should a CV joint replacement cost?
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 entire 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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
How challenging is it to replace a CV joint?
You can certainly replace your CV axle at home, but using a jack, jack stands, and power tools will require you to be at least somewhat competent. The expense of replacing your CV axle will be relatively affordable if you already have the majority of the necessary tools installed in your garage at home. You can typically get a new one for less than $100 at parts shops and online retailers.
What equipment do I require to replace a CV axle?
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.
Is a CV joint the same as a CV axle?
Two CV joints make up a CV axle (an inner joint and an outer joint). These joints help the axle to accommodate the various travel conditions, such as the suspension’s up and down motion and cornering, while still transferring engine power to the drive wheels at a steady pace.
Can a fractured CV joint be used to drive?
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.
What noise does your CV joint make when it fails?
You need to avoid potentially dangerous scenarios if you’re driving with a damaged CV joint. You should take care of any symptoms that indicate the CV joint in your car is defective as soon as you see them. To completely grasp how to identify which CV joint is defective, read our earlier articles. By being aware of these warning signs or symptoms, you can identify a defective CV joint before it requires costly repairs.
A damaged CV joint is typically caused by a busted CV joint boot. You can easily replace your boot and lubricate your CV joint with high-quality lubricants if you catch a defective CV joint boot in your car before it damages your joint. Your CV axle or joint does not need to be completely replaced. The cost of replacing a CV boot is reasonable; it is not an expensive component to buy. New clamps and high-quality grease are typically included with new automotive CV joint boots.
You will have to pay a mechanic’s labor price to assist you if you do not know how to replace this on your own.
However, suppose the CV joint in your car is broken. It must be changed out for a new joint. This is due to the inability to manage or heal a damaged CV joint. In most cases, you cannot buy a CV joint alone. The whole driveshaft will need to be purchased.
If this is the case, we can assist you avoid paying labor charges by demonstrating how to restore your CV joint and stop that annoying noise:
For this repair, you must put on your safety gear. When discussing auto repairs, we usually emphasize this point. After securing your gear, move your toolbox of mechanical equipment close by and turn your lug nuts by roughly a quarter before lifting your car off the ground.
Check to see if your wheel has an axle nut located directly in the middle, as this must be removed before removing the lug nuts on most vehicles. If your car has an axle nut, you’ll need to remove the cotter pin from it in order to perform this. The cotter pin has folded back ends to hold it in place and resembles a bobby pin. You’ll need to use pliers to straighten your pin’s crooked ends so you can remove it more quickly.
Applying lubrication will help you pull the cotter pin off if it is proving to be tough to remove.
You can now take off the axle nut after properly removing your cotter pin. Please be aware that it is much safer to raise your vehicle before removing the axle nut. Vehicles typically have several axle nut sizes. To enhance your chances of finding the appropriate size for your car, make sure you have a variety of socket sizes.
Now is the time to elevate your car. Either use a jack or a car lift to accomplish this. Both of those choices are wise. Make sure you are familiar with how to use the choice you chose. If you’re using a jack, see the manufacturer’s manual for your car for advice on where to set it. Before lifting your car, remember to engage your brake and put your car in park. After lifting, position your vehicle on the jack stands.
Imagine that you choose to employ an automobile lift, which is a more simple strategy. To avoid improper installation, double-check the manufacturer’s instructions for the ideal location to fix the lift adaptors. Lift your car, remove all of the lug nuts, and then take the wheels off. To view under your automobile, use a suitable work light.
Your brake rotor and caliper will be visible once your wheels have been removed. Your brake caliper housing is a substantial portion that is affixed to the rotor’s exterior. The mounting bolts for the brake caliper are located in a bracket. The configuration is determined on the model of the car. Because your brake caliper is attached to your brake line, you should lock it in place rather than letting it hang.
The caliper can be kept out of the way by being hung from a short cord. By doing so, you spare your brake line stress. You will notice brake fluid dripping from the brake line if your brake line separates from your brake caliper. You will be compelled to begin the entire brake bleeding procedure as a result of this flow.
The tie rod must now be separated from the steering knuckle. Typically, your steering knucklewhich you can find at the back of your rotoris where your outer tie rod is fastened. Similar to the axle nut, this bolt occasionally has a cotter pin. If the cotter pin is very difficult to remove, try using a penetrating lubricant. Even once the bolts are removed, it could be difficult to remove your tie rod.
To remove the tie rod, whack the steering knuckle where the tie rod enters with a hammer. Do not strike your tie rod’s threaded portion.
Your strut tower’s hub should be removed. Typically, your hub and strut tower are connected by two nuts. As soon as the bolts are removed, you will notice that the hub is only connected to the axle via the central hole. Now, it ought to be simple for you to remove the hub. Keep in mind that you will need to hold your bolt’s head in place as you unscrew the nut. It won’t come off if you don’t.
To pry into your CV joint, use a screwdriver or any other kind of pry bar. The location where your axle is attached to the transmission can be found by following the back of it. If your axle does not come off right away, try twisting your pry bar to make it brake. As you remove your axle, some transmission fluid may start to leak; this is typical. A can should be placed beneath the leak.
For the majority of automobiles, you must first slip the axle through the wishbone in order to fully remove it. It also helps the axle come off more quickly if you remove the band from your inside boot.
Insert your new CV axle into the transmission housing. The method you used to remove your old axle should be followed here.
The new axle may be swiftly installed in the exact same position using a CV joint boot clamp tool. The procedure of tightening the CV boot clamp will be greatly aided by this instrument. When the new axle settles into place, you should hear the tiny c-clip snap. If placing your axle is difficult, you should use a mallet, ideally made of rubber, to strike it into place.
The axle must now be inserted into the hub assembly center. Reassemble the components exactly as you had removed them. You can begin with the hub assembly before moving on to the strut tower. Make sure all of your loose bolts are tight. Connect your brake caliper once you have secured the outer tie rod into your steering knuckle. If you notice any worn-out cotter pins. Please swap them out.
Put your wheels back on and tighten your lug nuts a little. Your car can then be lowered till it hits the ground. Before lowering, take off the jack stands. Tighten your axle and lug nuts once your car is on the ground.
Before making any repairs to your CV joint, please make sure you understand how to distinguish between a faulty wheel bearing and a good CV joint. You may count on us for assistance with this.
Q: Can a bad CV joint sound like a bearing?
Ans: In rare instances, uneven tire wear is to blame for this. Growling, screeching, and chirping noises are used to describe bearing sounds. This sounds a lot like a faulty CV joint sound, which is typically described as a clicking, humming, or growling noise.
Q: What does a bad CV joint sound like?
An incorrect CV may make loud clicks, pops, or clunks as the damage advances. When performing a tight bend at a low rate, grinding noises are produced by frequent brake noise at low speed (caused by damage to the outer CV joints). A damaged CV joint can also be felt vibrating the car’s floorboard and steering wheel.
When switching from drive to reverse, a worn-out CV joint also creates loud clunking noises, which are especially loud when speeding around turns. The rubber or plastic boots surrounding the CV joint may sound broken or cracked. A automobile may tremble or shake when accelerating quickly.
Q: Is it safe to drive with a clicking CV joint?
Ans: Making a clicking or popping noise when turning or making a sharp turn is a sign of a severely worn-out CV joint. Driving with a worn-out CV joint is possible, but there is no proof that it is safe or durable for a long time. The worst-case situation is CV joint failure, which will shatter the axle and finally prevent your automobile from moving. It is possible to drive for a time with a faulty CV joint, but it is not completely safe. The clicking sound is primarily associated with a damaged CV joint.
You should be aware that if you keep driving with a noisy CV joint, you could end up completely ruining the joint. As a result, you should be able to test CV joints.
Q: How long will a CV joint last once it starts making noise?
Ans: For a period of four to five months or somewhat longer, it might be safe to drive with a damaged CV joint. You should take your car to a mechanic when the six-month mark is nearing to have the defective part replaced or fixed. After six months, it is unsafe to keep utilizing the worn-out or injured CV joint.
For people who live in dry places with little rain, this six-month time may be completely safe for them. However, for those who live in wet areas, learning how to check a CV joint for play should not be an option. If you don’t know how, go to a mechanic before this time period expires, at least for the first three months, since it will be best to know how to do this on your own given the amount of sticky mud, rain, dirt, and even snow.
Q: What can signify that my vehicle has a tire or wheel bearing noise?
Answer: A loud grinding noise is a well-known sign of a damaged wheel bearing. A faulty wheel bearing is most likely to blame for any grating or grinding noises coming from your car’s wheel or tire. Usually, when your automobile accelerates, this noise gets louder. Most of the time, worn-out tires are mistaken for damaged wheel bearings when they make a growling or rumbling noise. In other instances, the faulty wheel bearing produces a high-pitched screeching or grinding sound in time with the rotation of the tires.
It is not a wheel bearing noise if the sound increases in volume while your car turns, but this typically happens when you turn in the direction of a wheel that has a poor bearing. Remember that a noisy bearing only occurs while you are driving. However, a poor tire noise will only adapt to the road’s surface.
Q: How much does it cost to fix a CV joint?
The cost of replacing a CV joint ranges from $90-$220. If you drive your car to the technician, this replacement will run you anything from $160 to 850. Your choice of replacement will affect market prices. If you only need to replace the one axle, the cost will be greater. The more unusual and expensive to fix your vehicle is, the older the model is since spare parts are harder to come by.
Q: What are the symptoms of a bad CV joint?
The most typical signs of a malfunctioning CV joint are the noises it makes when accelerating or decelerating, such as clicking, popping, and clunking. Driving while vibrating is another typical symptom. The car’s undercarriage may have grease from a torn boot or an oil leak. Once more, you’ll hear noises when the car turns; this is because the CV joint has become loose from overuse. Another extremely noticeable sign is excessive vibration while the automobile is moving.