How the CV Joint Works, Symptoms, and Issues

On both ends of the drive shafts, all front-wheel drive vehicles contain Constant Velocity joints, or CV joints (half shafts). The drive shafts are connected to the gearbox by inner CV joints, while the drive shafts are connected to the wheels by outer CV joints.

CV joints are found in many rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, as well as trucks.

The CV joints are required to transfer torque from the gearbox to the drive wheels at a steady pace while considering the suspension's up-and-down motion. CV joints supply torque to the front wheels in front-wheel drive vehicles during turns.

This is the reason why it is important to ensure that any issues with the CV joint should be fixed as soon as possible by searching online for garages in Reading and booking an appointment with a qualified car mechanic.

There are two types of CV joints that are frequently used:

1.      A tripod-type

2.      A ball-type.

Ball-type CV joints are used on the outside side of the drive shafts (outer CV joints) in front-wheel drive vehicles, whereas tripod-type CV joints are used on the inner side (inner CV joints).

CV Joint Problems

A CV joint is sealed with special lubricant and two clamps hold a rubber or plastic boot in place. A CV joint requires very little maintenance and may last a very long period if the protective CV joint boot is not ruined. Original CV-joints are common in cars with over 100,000 miles on them.

The most common issue is when the protective boot on a CV joint cracks or tears. The grease leaks out, letting moisture and debris into the CV joint, causing it to wear down faster and eventually fail due to corrosion and a lack of lubrication. Because the outer CV-joint boots are subjected to more movement than the inner ones, they typically fail first. CV boots are usually inspected during periodic maintenance visits. When looking for car services near me online to book your car in with a reputable garage, cracks, rips, loose CV-boot clamps, and other damage will be checked by the technician.

Worn CV joint Symptoms or a damaged CV joint boot

When grease comes out of a small crack or tear in the CV joint boot, this is an early warning that the CV joint boot is deteriorating. You may notice black oil splashed on the inside of the rim and around the CV joint if the damage is severe. If your complete a MOT history check online, the report will most likely confirm a MOT failure due to a torn CV boot.

The CV joint will wear down and finally fail if the vehicle is driven with a damaged CV joint boot. A clicking or popping sounds when rotating is the most prevalent indication of a damaged outer CV joint. When you accelerate in a turn, the noise grows louder.

It is unusual for the inner CV joint to fail. One of the signs of a deteriorating inner CV joint is lateral (side-to-side) shaking or vibration during acceleration. A worn-out inner CV joint may clunk when moving from Drive to Reverse or from acceleration to deceleration.

It is recommended to check MOT status of your vehicle and repair any CV joint problems beforehand to avoid a MOT failure.

If you check MOT history online for your car, one of the most prevalent reasons of MOT failures is a minor tear in the CV boots, which can cause grease contamination of the brake pads and discs due to their proximity to the brakes. Because they have to withstand greater movement than the inner CV boots, the outer CV joint boots are more likely to break.

A MOT history report is an important piece of document as this will confirm the history of the mechanic status of your vehicle.

When a damaged CV joint boot is discovered early enough, it is usually only necessary to replace the boot and repack the CV joint with new grease. This is far less expensive than completely replacing the CV joint or drive shaft.