If your car clicks, pops, or shakes when you turn and accelerate, don’t ignore it. These are often the first signs that your CV axle shaft is starting to fail. This part connects your transmission to the wheels, and when it wears out, it can seriously affect how your vehicle drives.
A damaged CV axle won’t just make your ride uncomfortable, but can lead to a breakdown that will leave you stranded on the side of the road if left unchecked. Below are the warning signs to watch for, along with the reasons why prompt action is crucial.
What the CV Axle Does in Your Vehicle
CV axles connect the transmission to the wheels and transfer torque while accommodating the up-and-down movement of the suspension and the side-to-side movement of the steering. Each axle has joints that allow flexibility while still maintaining smooth power delivery.
Most vehicles with front-wheel drive have two CV axles, one for each front wheel. All-wheel drive and some rear-wheel drive vehicles also use them. Because they’re under constant stress, these parts are subject to wear, especially in high-mileage or heavily-used cars.
The Most Common Sound: Clicking When Turning
A steady clicking or popping sound when you turn the steering wheel is one of the most noticeable symptoms of a worn outer CV joint. This sound usually gets louder or more frequent when making tighter turns or accelerating during a turn. It’s caused by the joint’s internal components wearing down or losing lubrication due to a torn boot.
Ignoring this noise for too long can lead to joint failure, which may leave your vehicle unable to move at all.
Vibration During Acceleration or Cruising
If you feel vibrations through the steering wheel or floorboard, especially when accelerating, it could be the result of an inner CV joint issue. These vibrations may be subtle at first but tend to get worse over time. Unlike tire imbalance or suspension problems, CV axle-related vibrations usually feel more rhythmic or tied to speed and torque.
These vibrations are more than just annoying. They indicate that the axle is no longer delivering power smoothly, which can cause added stress on the transmission and other drivetrain components.
Grease Around the Tires or Undercarriage
If the CV boot tears, the grease inside the joint can leak out. You might notice dark, thick grease splattered around the inside of your wheels or along the lower suspension. Without grease, the joint will wear quickly as dirt and moisture enter, leading to increased friction and eventual failure.
Regularly inspecting your wheels and undercarriage during oil changes or tire rotations can help catch this issue before it becomes more serious.
Loud Clunking Noises
A loud clunk, especially during gear shifts or sudden acceleration, could be a sign that the CV joint or axle shaft is loose. This sound might also occur when putting the vehicle into reverse. If the axle has too much play or one of the joints is severely worn, it can create slop in the drivetrain that causes clunking or banging sounds under load.
In severe cases, the axle could even disconnect from the transmission or wheel hub, resulting in a total loss of drive power.
Steering Feels Loose or Unpredictable
Since the axle shaft plays a role in how torque is delivered to the wheels, a worn or damaged shaft can cause slight hesitations or looseness in steering feel. This may be especially noticeable when turning at low speeds or navigating uneven roads. If left unchecked, it can also lead to uneven tire wear or damage to other steering components.
A technician can check for excess movement in the axle shaft or joints by lifting the vehicle and manually rotating or pushing on the axles.
Should You Repair or Replace the CV Axle?
In many cases, if the joint is worn or the boot is torn, the most effective solution is to replace the entire CV axle shaft. This ensures even wear across the assembly and reduces the chances of future failure. While boot-only repairs are possible, they’re usually only worth it if the joint hasn’t been exposed to dirt or damage for long.
Technicians often recommend full replacement because modern replacement axles are relatively affordable and offer better long-term reliability.
Keep Your Car Smooth and Safe at 5 Star Auto Service in Belmont, CA
If you’re hearing clicking, feeling vibrations, or seeing grease near your wheels, it may be time to have your CV axle inspected. At 5 Star Auto Service in Belmont, CA, our technicians are experienced in diagnosing and replacing worn CV axles to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly. We’ll pinpoint the issue and recommend the right fix so you can drive confidently without worrying about sudden breakdowns.
Schedule your service today and keep your drivetrain strong.