How many CV axles are there?

Most passenger cars have two CV axles. The exact count depends on the drivetrain: two for front-wheel drive, two for rear-wheel drive with independent suspension, or four for all-wheel-drive systems. Some electric or hybrid layouts may differ due to alternative drive units or hub-motor configurations.

Drivetrain configurations and CV axles

Below are the typical counts you’ll encounter across common vehicle layouts, with a brief explanation of how each setup delivers power to the wheels.

• Front-wheel drive (FWD): two CV axles, one to each front wheel, transmitting power from the transaxle to the wheels.


• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with independent rear suspension: two CV axles, one to each rear wheel, delivering power from the differential to the wheels.


• All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD): typically four CV axles—two at the front and two at the rear—each wheel powered through a CV joint.

These counts reflect standard designs; some vehicles use alternative drive units or hub motors that change how joints are arranged, which can affect the traditional CV axle tally.

Special cases and notes

Electric vehicles and hybrids sometimes replace conventional CV axles with e-axles or hub-motor assemblies that integrate the drive unit near or at the wheel. In such cases, the traditional notion of a “CV axle” may be less relevant, though many systems still employ CV-type joints somewhere in the drivetrain.

• Example: A typical EV with dual motors might have two drive routes that do not rely on a conventional front or rear CV axle in the same way as a gasoline-powered car.

In practical terms, for most gasoline or diesel-powered cars, you count two CV axles for a single driven axle, and four CV axles for a vehicle that drives all four wheels.

Summary

Two CV axles are standard for cars with a single driven axle (common in front- or rear-wheel drive). Four CV axles are typical for vehicles that power all four wheels (AWD/4WD). Special layouts, including many electric propulsion designs, can alter this count due to different drive-unit configurations.

Are there different types of CV axles?

Modern FWD vehicles use CV axles to drive the front wheels, and modern independent-suspension RWD and AWD vehicles may use CV axles to drive the rear wheels. At each end of a CV axle is a CV joint, and there are two main types used – Rzeppa and Spicer.

How many CV axles?

How Many CV Axles Does a Vehicle Have? Front-wheel drive vehicles have two CV axles – one that connects each of the front wheels to the transmission while AWD vehicles have four CV axles – two that connect the front wheels to the transmission and two that attach the back wheels to the rear differential.

How much to replace both CV axles?

Replacing both CV axles typically costs between $700 and $1,500, but this can vary significantly based on your vehicle, location, and labor rates. The cost is a combination of parts, which can range from about $80 to $250 each for common vehicles, and labor, which adds around 2-4 hours per side. More expensive cars and complex jobs will result in higher prices. 
Cost breakdown and influencing factors

• Total cost: Expect to pay between $700 and $1,500 or more for both axles. 
• Parts cost:
  • For many common vehicles, replacement parts can range from $80 to $250 per axle. 
  • The price increases significantly for luxury or performance vehicles, sometimes reaching over $1,200 per axle. 
• Labor cost:
  • Labor is a major factor, typically requiring 2-4 hours per side, depending on the complexity of the job and the vehicle's condition. 
  • Some shops may offer a slight discount on labor if both front axles are replaced at the same time due to overlapping work. 
• Vehicle type: The make and model of your car are primary cost drivers. 
  • Luxury and performance cars will be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. 
  • More common and less complex vehicles will be less expensive. 
• Shop choice:
  • Dealer service centers are often more expensive than independent mechanics. 
• Other potential costs: Additional parts, such as stabilizer bars, may need replacement, which will add to the total bill. 

How to get a more accurate estimate

• Call a few different mechanics for quotes. Be sure to ask for the price to replace both axles, including parts and labor.
• Provide the mechanic with your vehicle's year, make, and model for the most accurate estimate. 
• Ask if there are any other parts that might need replacing, like the stabilizer bars. 

Should I replace both CV axles if one is bad?

Yes, many mechanics recommend replacing both CV axles at the same time because if one has failed, the other is likely close to failing due to similar wear and mileage. Replacing both at once can help avoid duplicate labor costs in the near future. However, if the other axle is in good condition, it might be possible to wait, but it is important to monitor the second axle closely for any signs of wear. 
Reasons to replace both CV axles

• Similar wear: Both axles have been subjected to the same driving conditions, miles, and wear and tear.
• Future costs: Replacing both now can save you on a second labor charge and prevent a new problem from occurring shortly after the first repair.
• Preventative maintenance: If one has failed, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing both is a form of preventative maintenance for a potentially imminent failure. 

When you might replace only one

• Good condition: If an inspection shows the other axle is in good condition and has no signs of wear or damage, you may be able to replace just the one that failed. 
• Specific failure reason: If the failure was caused by a specific incident (like a collision) rather than general wear, the other axle may not be affected. 

Recommendation

• Consult a professional: Have a mechanic inspect both axles to determine their condition.
• Consider replacing both: If both show similar signs of wear, it is often the most cost-effective long-term solution to replace both at the same time.