How to Replace a Constant Velocity (C.V.) Joints Axle

The front wheels receive their turning power through the axles. On front-wheel-drive cars, the axles not only have to spin as they propel the front wheels, they also have to pivot as the car goes over bumps and as the wheels change direction through turns. This pivoting would not be possible if the axle was a solid, rigid bar. CV joints, or constant velocity joints, are constructed into the axle assembly. These CV joints are surrounded by rubber boots shaped like accordions, which keep the necessary lubricating grease packed into the joint itself. If the accordion boot cracks, the grease spins out of the crack due to centrifical force, causing the CV joint to become unlubricated and eventually to fail. The boot is usually the first part of the axle to fail. It cracks due to age, extreme temperature, and excessive pivoting. How would you know if you needed an axle replaced? First, locate the axles by looking behind the wheels. Inspect the rubber accordion-shaped boots for cracks. If a crack is present, it would be accompanied by grease in and around the axle area, including on other parts sprayed by the spin-off of grease. Another indication of a bad CV joint would be a click-click-click noise from the front of the car when you make a sharp turn or U-turn. What should be considered to remedy this problem? If the CV joint makes noise or vibrates, replace the entire axle with a rebuilt one, which comes complete with new CV joints and boots. If just the boot is cracked, you can opt to replace the boot alone, which is the less expensive way out. Considering that there is some labor involved with either of these repairs, you might want to opt for the complete axle replacement and rest at ease that the problem is remedied. “All wheel drive” cars and “rear wheel drive” cars with independent rear suspension have axles with CV joints. Rear-axle CV joints, together with their respective boots, tend to last much longer than the fronts, as they do not have to pivot to steer the car. Remind your mechanic if you have ABS (antilock) brakes, as the ABS sensor ring is connected to the axle. The replacement axle must have this ring for the ABS system to work. Scam Alert Watch out for a shady mechanic with a razor blade who could quickly slice an axle boot to create a repair job. Remember: A soft, rubbery boot will not just crack. If the boot looks sliced and there is no spin-off of grease around it, you just might have become his next victim.