While driving, you may hear many noises coming from your vehicle. While many are caused by regular operation, you can hear some things that could lead to a more expensive repair. A common noise you may hear and not recognize is when you hear CV joint noise. Now, you can wonder, what is a CV joint, and what does bad CV joint sound like?
There are many more questions to ask, but the most vital is, do faulty CV joints automatically mean a CV joint replacement? It is worth knowing that all FWD (front-wheel-drive) vehicles have CV joints on the ends of the drive shaft and CV joints wear. In our guide, you can learn what to do when you hear CV joint noise and how you can notice an inner CV joint problem without hearing anything.
By the end, you’ll see some of the noise may not be caused by the entire CV joint; thus, you don’t require a CV joint replacement. However, worst-case scenario and your outboard CV joint are making too much noise; you’ll know how to fix CV joint noise to avoid the CV joint replacement cost. (Read 275 55r20 Vs 275 60r20 Tire Comparison)
What is a CV Joint?
CV Joints (constant velocity joint) connect the transmission and wheels to transmit power from the engine to the wheels at different rates.
The axle’s outer CV joint has two parts: the inner CV joint and outer joint.
The inner joint is joined to the CV axles and outer to wheel. The CV joint uses balls and cages to maintain velocity.
CV Joints maintain a steady rotational speed independent of driveshaft angle. It’s vital for cornering and driving on uneven ground.
The CV Joint comprises a yoke and two spherical balls. The transmission yoke and driveshaft balls are connected. As the driving shaft rotates, the balls in the socket move, allowing varied speeds.
A rubber boot is protect the CV Joint from dust and debris. The CV Joint is a vital drivetrain component that should be periodically inspected.
Why Do You Hear CV Joint Making Noise?
The CV joint is a crucial part of a car that aids in transferring power from the engine to the drive wheels. A damaged CV joint can cause car issues, including trouble turning, vibration, and even a complete failure of the drive system.
There are a few typical causes of CV joint failure. However, wear and tear on CV boots is among the most popular causes.
However, on the mechanical side, you can hear sound like the inner CV joint clunk, which can lead to issues as the vehicle ages, as you could find with any other mechanical component.
Lack of proper lubrication is a common cause of damaged CV joints, or you can hear the CV joints clicking and feel vibrations through the steering wheel.
When you overlook these sounds and don’t give your vehicle proper maintenance, as the axle begins to turn and transfer power, you can hear the noises as the CV joints work.
Worst case, the CV boot may break down, and then there is no grease, so the CV joint and entire axle may stop working, thus leaving you with CV joint replacement costs. (Learn How To Make A Wheel Car Dolly)
Causes of CV Joint Noise While Driving?
Depending on the issue causing the CV joint to fail, it might make a variety of noises. The following list of typical CV joint noises and their causes:
- Faulty CV Boots
- Damaged Boot Clamps
- Grease Leaks
- Bad CV Axle
Here are the primary reasons for CV joint noise when driving straight.
1. Faulty CV Boots
Boot difficulties are typical with outer CV joints. This can be caused by debris or a rip. Loose or torn boots can damage the CV joint and other system components.
A malfunctioning or faulty CV boot makes a clicking or vibrating noise when the car moves and leaks grease.
2. Damaged Boot Clamps
Damaged boot clamps cause CV joint failure when driving straight. In addition, damaged boot clamps mean the boots can leak grease, and thus the metal components rub against other components without lubrication and grind and make noise.
If you hear CV joint noise, examine your boot clamps, and replace before you need a new CV joint.
3. Grease Leaks
Grease leaks are another cause of CV joint noise when driving straight. Damaged grease seals allow lubricant to escape the joint. This causes screeching when speeding up or turning.
Put a few drops of water on the CV joint to test for grease leakage, and if you see water beading, then your joint is leaking grease.
4. Bad CV Axle
Axles are vital to a car, truck, or SUV. They attach vehicle wheels. When they shatter, it’s unsafe and causes complications.
Bad CV axles create car vibrations. For example, when driving, you may hear humming or clicking. Bad CV axles can also cause improper car shifts.
A CV axle can fail for many reasons, and water damage is a common one. In addition, wet CV axles rust and corrode and can eventually break down.
5. Wear & Tear
Wear and strain causes of CV joint noise when driving straight. Age, use, and terrain can cause wear and tear on your CV axle. If you’re experiencing CV joint noise, have a technician inspect it as they can quickly see if your CV joint boots are causing a grease leak or something more serious.
How To Fix Outer CV Joint Noise?
Damaged CV joints might cause dangerous circumstances. If you see any indicators that your CV joint is defective, fix it immediately.
Knowing these symptoms allows you to detect a malfunctioning CV joint early and avoid costly repairs.
A busted CV joint boot causes the most damage. However, if you find your vehicle’s damaged CV joint boot in time, you can replace it and lube the joint with quality lubricants. (Learn How Often To Use Seafoam)
Your entire CV axle or joint need not be replaced; it could only be CV boot replacement and adding new clamps and grease. You can often carry out a faulty CV joint boot replacement to save excess labor costs.
Suppose your vehicle’s CV joint is damaged. Replace the joint as damaged CV joints can’t be fixed. CV joints are rarely sold separately, and you’ll need an entire driveshaft to fix the problem.
One thing to note is, before you repair a faulty CV joint, ensure it isn’t a faulty wheel bearing as the symptoms such as vibration and a clicking sound can be the same.
- Most vehicles have an axle nut in the middle of their wheels, so remove that before the lug nuts.
- If your car has a cotter pin, remove it from the axle nut.
- After removing the cotter pin, remove the axle nut before lifting it on the jack.
- Lift your car.
- Remove the lug nuts and wheels after elevating your vehicle.
- Your brake caliper is attached to your brake line; therefore, lock it in position rather than letting it hang.
- Detach the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
- Like the axle nut, this bolt has a cotter pin.
- Remove the tie rod by hammering the steering knuckle where it passes.
- Remove the strut hub.
- Pry open your CV joint with a screwdriver or other tool.
- Follow the back of your axle to find the transmission connection.
- If your axle doesn’t come out, twist your pry bar to break the seal.
- It’s usual for transmission fluid to leak when removing an axle, so place an oil catch can underneath.
- Insert the replacement CV axle into the transmission.
- A CV joint boot clamp tool helps align the new axle. In addition, this tool helps tighten CV boot clamps.
- Place the axle in the hub’s assembly center and reassemble the parts as before.
- Replace wheels and tighten lug nuts. Then, drop your car to the ground.
FAQs
Here are some of the most often asked concerns about potential causes and solutions for CV joint noise while driving straight.
What does a bad CV joint sound like?
As the damage advances, a faulty CV may produce loud clicks, pops, or clunks.
When performing a tight bend at a low rate, grinding noises are produced by frequent brake noise at low speed from the outer CV joints.
A damaged CV joint can also be felt vibrating the car’s floor and steering wheel.
The rubber or plastic boots surrounding the CV joint may sound when broken.
Is it safe to drive with a clicking CV joint?
The clicking or popping noise you hear when turning or making a sharp turn is a sign that your CV joint is severely worn.
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 a bad CV joint that could shatter the axle and prevent your car from moving.
It is possible to drive for a time with a faulty CV joint, but it is not entirely safe, and the clicking sound is a final warning you have a damaged CV joint.
How long will a CV joint last once it starts making noise?
A bad CV joint could be driven for four to five months. When six months pass, take your car to a professional to replace or repair a faulty part. A worn-out CV joint will be unsafe after six months.
Six months may be acceptable in dry places with little rain, but knowing how to test CV joints for play is essential in wet areas. (Read Why Does My Temperature Gauge Go Up And Down)
What Are CV Joints?
The parts that link the transmission to the wheels are called CV joints, also called constant velocity joints. It is a component of a car’s drive shaft. Four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive vehicles are the most common vehicles to observe. However, some rear-wheel-drive vehicles also have them.
Can You Drive With A Broken CV Joint?
If you’re telling the car to accelerate, it will still be able to do so. Can you drive it? A bad CV joint will make your car shake and tremble a lot. They become more unpredictable and challenging to drive.
It is no longer safe for you to operate the car, even though you might be able to. A bad CV joint will eventually fail if you continue driving with it, rendering your car unusable.
What Kinds Of Noises Will My CV Joint make When It’s About To Fail?
As you drive, a bad CV joint will create knocking noises. You can hear these sounds even at slow speeds. As you increase the speed, the knocks will become louder and more frequent.
You may also hear popping or clicking noises and the knocking sound. When you are moving slowly, you hardly ever hear these. However, you can hear these noises if you move quickly or take turns while driving.
Do You Need To Replace Both CV Joints If One Is Faulty?
It is preferable to replace both CV joints if you are replacing them because of the wear they have incurred with age. Both CV joints experience nearly equal amounts of wear. Even if only one has failed, the other will shortly follow.
You will be OK replacing only the damaged CV joint if you are replacing the CV joint because it was damaged by contaminants or a lack of lubricant.
How Often Do You Replace CV joints?
These parts are prone to rapid wear. However, as long as your CV boot is fitted correctly and you perform all necessary maintenance, they usually last a very long period.
They may go at least 100,000 miles on average, although they can last even longer. There are numerous drivers who never suffer from a failing CV joint as they maintain their car correctly.
So, when should you think about replacing CV joints? Your CV joints do not require routine replacement. You only need to replace them when necessary because they might outlast your engine.
