How many CV joints are there?

Most passenger cars with front-wheel drive have four CV joints in total—two on each half-shaft, one inner near the transaxle and one outer at the wheel. In all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive layouts, the count is typically eight, since both front and rear drivetrains use CV joints, though designs vary.

The CV joint, or constant-velocity joint, transfers power from the transmission to the wheels while accommodating steering, suspension movement, and changing angles. Whether a car has four or eight CV joints depends on the drivetrain architecture and how many axles are driven.

What is a CV joint?

A CV joint is a flexible coupling that allows a drive shaft to transmit power at a constant rotational speed regardless of the angle between the shaft and the wheel. There are inner CV joints (closer to the transmission) and outer CV joints (closer to the wheel). The most common outer joint is a ball-type design, while the inner joint is often a tripod or similar configuration. Together, they enable smooth power delivery as the suspension moves and steering occurs.

Common drivetrain configurations

Below are the two most typical arrangements seen in modern passenger vehicles. The list highlights how many CV joints you generally find in each setup.

• Front-wheel drive (FWD): four CV joints total (two on each half-shaft: inner and outer).


• All-wheel drive (AWD) / Four-wheel drive (4WD): typically eight CV joints total (two on each end of both front and rear half-shafts). Some designs may differ, withCV joints used only on certain shafts or replaced by alternative connections, which changes the total.

In practice, the exact count depends on the specific drivetrain architecture. The four-vs-eight framework covers the vast majority of modern cars, but there are exceptions based on manufacturer design choices and technology.

Exceptions and special cases

Variations by design

Some contemporary AWD systems use CV joints on the front axles only, while the rear connection may rely on a different arrangement (such as a driveshaft with U-joints). Other systems have CV joints on every driven shaft, yielding eight joints total. Always consult the vehicle’s service manual or a workshop diagram for the exact count on a given model.

Rear-wheel-drive and independent suspension considerations

In rear-wheel-drive configurations with independent rear suspension, the rear axle may use CV joints on each driven wheel, which could bring the total closer to eight, while some older or specialized designs rely more on U-joints in the driveshafts. The overall count is therefore highly dependent on the specific architecture.

Maintenance and signs of wear

CV joints are protected by rubber boots that contain grease. When boots crack or tear, grease leaks out and dirt can enter, accelerating wear. Common warning signs include clicking or popping noises when turning (outer joints), vibration or shuddering at speed, and grease splattered on the inside of the wheel or along the suspension components. Regular inspection of boot condition and joint play is part of routine maintenance, and replacement costs rise if multiple joints or boot assemblies are damaged.

Summary

The number of CV joints in a vehicle mainly depends on its drivetrain. The standard setups are four CV joints for front-wheel-drive cars and eight for many all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive systems. Variations exist based on design choices, hub integration, or the use of different joints in place of CV joints. Knowing your vehicle’s specific configuration helps in diagnosing noises and planning maintenance.

How much does it cost to replace CV joints?

Replacing CV joints costs between $300 and $800 for a single axle, including parts and labor, but can range from $400 to over $1,500 depending on the vehicle. Replacing both front axles or a more expensive vehicle will likely be on the higher end of the price spectrum, while DIY replacement can significantly lower the cost. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: A single CV axle typically costs between $80 and $300, but can be much higher for European or high-end vehicles. 
• Labor: Labor costs typically range from $100 to $200 for a single axle, as the job can take 2 to 3 hours. 

Factors that influence the cost

• Vehicle make and model: European luxury cars often have more expensive parts, driving up the total cost. 
• Number of axles: Replacing both front axles will cost more than replacing just one. 
• Repair location: Costs can vary depending on your location and whether you use a dealership or an independent mechanic. Dealerships typically charge more. 
• DIY vs. professional: Replacing the part yourself can save money on labor costs, but requires the right tools and mechanical knowledge. 

Other considerations

• CV boot replacement: If only the CV boot is torn but the joint is fine, you can often just replace the boot. This is a cheaper option and can cost between $300 and $500 for both boots. 
• Severity of damage: A complete axle replacement is more expensive than a simple boot replacement. If the joint is completely broken, you'll need a full replacement, which can prevent the car from driving at all. 

How many CV joints are in a car?

A car has a minimum of four CV joints on front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles (two on each front axle) and typically eight CV joints on all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles (four on each front axle and two on each rear axle). Each CV axle has two joints: an inner joint connecting to the transmission and an outer joint connecting to the wheel.
 
Breakdown by drivetrain

• Front-wheel drive (FWD): 4 CV joints (two per front axle). 
• All-wheel drive (AWD): 8 CV joints (four per front axle and four per rear axle, often found on independent suspension systems). 
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): The number varies. If a car has independent suspension, it will likely have CV joints on the rear axles. If it has a solid rear axle, it may not have CV joints there. 

Key facts

• A CV axle assembly consists of two CV joints: an inner joint and an outer joint. 
• The inner CV joint connects the axle to the transmission or differential. 
• The outer CV joint connects the axle to the wheel hub. 

How to tell which CV joint is bad?

You can tell which CV joint is bad by listening for a clicking or popping noise when turning, which usually indicates an outer joint is failing and which side is the problem based on the turn direction. Look for grease leaking from a torn CV boot, feel for vibrations or a lack of smooth acceleration, or check for looseness by wiggling the axle with the car raised. 
Listening for noises

• Outer joint: A clicking or popping noise when turning is the most common sign of a failing outer CV joint. 
  • If you hear a clicking when turning right, the problem is likely the left CV joint. 
  • If you hear a clicking when turning left, the problem is likely the right CV joint. 
• Inner joint: A knocking or clunking noise, especially when accelerating or decelerating in reverse, can point to a bad inner CV joint. 

Visual and physical checks

• Grease leaks: A torn CV boot will leak grease, so look for grease splattered on the inside of the wheel or around the wheel well. A broken boot means the joint has likely lost its grease and is getting damaged by dirt and debris. 
• Vibrations: A bad CV joint can cause a shaking or vibrating sensation in the steering wheel or floor, especially at higher speeds. 
• Axle play (requires the car to be raised): 
  • Get the vehicle safely lifted by a professional. 
  • Grab the wheel and the driveshaft and try to rotate them in opposite directions; the bad one should feel loose or have "play". 
  • Wiggle the axle up and down to feel for looseness in the joint. 
• Uneven tire wear: A struggling CV joint can affect how the vehicle handles and cause uneven tire wear. 
• Poor acceleration: A failing joint may cause hesitation or jerking during acceleration as it struggles to transfer power smoothly to the wheel. 

How many types of CV joints are there?

Summary Table

CV Joint Type	Key Features
Fixed CV Joint	Allows angular but not axial movement
Plunging CV Joint	Allows axial movement, often with tripod design
Double Cardan Joint	Two U-joints in series, high flexibility
Spherical Roller CV	Uses spherical rollers for heavy load tolerance