Make another check by inserting a large screwdriver between the yoke and the spider and levering it to see if there is any play. Monty rakusen getty images if you need to replace a cv joint cv boot or cv axle a basic mechanic tool set will get you through most of the job with a few key exceptions.
When Does A Cv Axle Need To Be Replaced
Check cv joint wear. The rubber boot that protects the joint from road contaminates fail or they just wear out. If the boot fails dirt and moisture displace the grease impairing the joint. Cv joints fail for one of two reasons. Almost universally the outside joint closest to the wheel will wear out before the inside joint as it is subject to more stress as the vehicles wheels turn. The inner cv joints connect the shaft to the transmission allowing movement between them while the outer cv joints allow movement between the shaft and the wheels. There should be no play in the joint at all.
Eliminate the possibility of it being an outer cv joint failure by performing your acceleration test while driving around in a fairly tight about 150 foot circle. Inspecting the cv boots at the first sign of trouble can help save the cv joints and money in repairs. To check for wear when no dust is evident grip one side of the joint firmly and try to turn the other side against holding pressure. Eliminate the possibility of it being an outer cv joint failure by performing your acceleration test while driving around in a fairly tight about 150 foot circle. A torn or cracked cv boot will leak grease that ends up tossed around while the axle turns. Cv joints are protected by plastic or rubber boots that hold in the grease the joints are packed in.
A leaky boot will eventually lead to cv joint failure as dirt and debris will get into the boot and damage the joint. How to check bad cv joint noise on your car read vid desc. Although cv joints are found on the back wheels on rear wheel drive and four wheel drive cars they rarely fail so here were dealing mainly with cv joints on the front of front wheel drive cars. Almost all cv joints have a little bit of play but any more than 18 inch in any direction indicates a damaged or worn out inner cv joint. U joints and cv joints can wear out but your local trusted mechanic can help you get back on the road. Listen carefully for a grumbling vibration which could indicate damage or severe wear on the inner cv joint.
Audi of the same era also have bad cv joints and broken or torn cv boots. Another symptom of a problem with the cv axle shafts is grease on the inside edge of the tire or along the underside of the vehicle.
Gallery of Check Cv Joint Wear
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