Do RWD cars have CV joints?
Yes, most rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars do have constant velocity (CV) joints. CV joints are an essential component in the drivetrain of RWD vehicles, allowing the wheels to turn while maintaining a constant rotational speed relative to the driveshaft.
What are CV Joints?
CV joints are specialized universal joints that connect the driveshaft to the wheel hubs in RWD and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. They allow the wheels to turn and move up and down independently while transmitting the rotational force from the driveshaft to the wheels. This enables the wheels to maintain a constant velocity, even when turning or going over bumps, without binding or causing driveline vibrations.
Why are CV Joints Necessary in RWD Cars?
In a RWD vehicle, the driveshaft transmits power from the transmission to the rear differential, which then sends that power to the rear wheels. CV joints are required to connect the rear differential to the rear wheel hubs, allowing the wheels to turn and move independently while still receiving power from the driveshaft.
- Constant Velocity: CV joints maintain a constant rotational speed between the driveshaft and the wheels, preventing binding or vibrations.
- Wheel Movement: CV joints allow the rear wheels to move up and down, turn, and articulate independently of the driveshaft.
- Power Transmission: CV joints transmit the rotational force from the driveshaft to the rear wheels, providing power to the RWD system.
Without CV joints, the rear wheels in a RWD car would not be able to turn and move independently, leading to binding, vibrations, and poor handling characteristics.
Types of CV Joints in RWD Cars
There are two main types of CV joints used in RWD cars:
- Tripod CV Joints: These have three "trunnions" that allow for a wide range of articulation. Tripod CV joints are commonly used on the inboard (differential) side of the driveshaft.
- Ball-and-Cage CV Joints: These use a set of spherical balls housed in a cage to provide a smooth, constant-velocity connection. Ball-and-cage CV joints are often used on the outboard (wheel) side of the driveshaft.
Both types of CV joints are essential for the proper operation and handling of RWD vehicles.
Do 2WD cars have CV joints?
Two wheel drive vehicles have two CV shafts and all-wheel drive vehicles can have up to four CV shafts. CV joints are filled with molybdenum disulfide grease, this specialized grease is either dark green or brownish grey in color.
Do cars have CV axles in the rear?
Yes, some vehicles have CV axles in the rear, specifically those with independent rear suspension, such as many rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) models. These are used to deliver power to the rear wheels while allowing for the independent up-and-down movement of the suspension.
You can watch this video to learn how a CV axle works: 33sBarbour's Auto HelpYouTube · Jan 4, 2025
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with independent suspension: These vehicles use a CV axle on each rear wheel to connect the rear differential to the wheels.
- All-wheel drive (AWD): AWD vehicles typically have four CV axles, with two in the front and two in the rear.
- Solid axle rear suspension: Traditional rear-wheel drive vehicles with a solid rear axle do not use CV axles in the rear. Instead, they have a solid driveshaft running to the rear differential, which then powers the two rear wheels.
This video demonstrates how to replace a rear CV axle on a Ford Flex: 58sTRQYouTube · May 18, 2023
Do RWD cars have U joints?
Universal joints can be found on four-wheel drive (4WD), rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. They are also on other types of vehicles that have a driveshaft like commercial buses and semi-trailer trucks.
Do RWD cars have CV axles?
Yes, some modern rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars with independent rear suspension have CV axles to connect the rear wheels to the differential. These CV axles allow for the smooth and consistent transfer of power to the wheels while also accommodating the movement of the independent suspension. Older RWD cars, or those with a solid rear axle, do not use CV axles for the rear wheels.
- Independent vs. solid rear suspension: The key factor is the type of rear suspension. Cars with independent rear suspension use CV axles on the rear wheels to handle the up and down motion of the wheels without affecting the drivetrain's ability to deliver power.
- Traditional RWD: In RWD vehicles with a solid rear axle, the axle is a single, rigid component and does not require CV joints.
- AWD: All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles have CV axles on all four wheels to connect them to the drivetrain.
