Replacing your CV joints
To keep you safely on the road, your car relies on its transmission system to relay power from the engine to your wheels. This includes your CV joints, which are essential for transferring torque at a constant speed.
But what are the symptoms of bad CV joints? And how much does CV joint replacement cost? In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about replacing your CV joints, and the role they play in your car.
What are CV joints?
‘CV’ stands for constant velocity. These joints are most common in front-wheel drive cars, but they can also be found on rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles depending on the transmission system.
CV joints play a vital role in your transmission system. Found at the end(s) of the axle shaft, these flexible joints allow power transferred from the engine to your wheels to be delivered at a constant speed, even when the suspension is compressed by bumps or turns, and the steering is operated through its full arc. This range of motion is essential and prevents the axle from breaking as your suspension moves with the motion of your vehicle.
In order to move freely, the CV joint contains an amount of lubricating grease. This grease is retained in the CV joint by a flexible rubber boot that ensures that road dirt cannot get in.
There are several types of CV joint - ball-type and tripod-type are two of the most common. Front-wheel drive vehicles tend to use the ball-type CV joints on the outer side of the driveshaft and tripod-type CV joints on the inner side.
How long do CV joints last?
As with most car parts and components, your CV joints will accumulate wear over time, especially if they’re exposed to dirt and moisture due to a torn or damaged boot. There are a few signs to look out for that indicate you may need to replace your joints:
- Clunking noise when you change gear
- Clicking or knocking noises when you turn on full lock
- Vibration during acceleration
- Lubricant leaking from the joint boot
If you find one or more of these signs, then you may have worn CV joints, and you should get them looked at as soon as possible. Damaged or worn CV joints can lead to a loss of drive.
What’s the cost of CV joint replacements?
It’s hard to say the exact cost of replacement CV joints, as it will depend on the make and model of your car, and the extent of the damage. If you find a boot is damaged before the joint itself has been compromised, then you can often simply replace the boot and repack the joint with grease, avoiding a full replacement.
However, in most cases, you won’t notice that the boot has split before the joint has been damaged, so you’ll need a full CV joint replacement. No matter what type of CV joint you’re looking for, you’ll find a great selection at Halfords. Using our easy tool, just enter your car registration number to find all the parts that fit your make and model.
Once you’ve selected the right part, you can use our convenient click and collect service to pick up your replacement CV joint kit ready to replace. Or let us bring your part right to your door with our home delivery service.
If you’re unsure which part is right for you, or just want a helping hand, then visit your local Halfords garage where one of our team will be happy to help.