Is a damaged CV joint expensive to fix?

Yes, repairing a damaged constant velocity (CV) joint can be an expensive repair. CV joints are critical components in a vehicle's drivetrain, and replacing them typically costs between $300 to $500 or more per joint. The exact cost will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the specific type of CV joint that needs to be replaced.

What is a CV Joint and Why is it Important?

A CV joint is a mechanical component that allows the wheels of a vehicle to turn while also transmitting power from the transmission to the wheels. It consists of an outer casing, an inner race, and a series of balls or rollers that allow the joint to flex and rotate as the wheels turn. CV joints are found in front-wheel-drive vehicles, as well as the rear axles of some all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

CV joints are critical to the proper functioning of a vehicle's drivetrain. If a CV joint becomes damaged or worn out, it can cause a number of problems, including:

• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when turning or accelerating


• Vibrations or shaking while driving


• Uneven tire wear


• Difficulty steering or a "wandering" feeling while driving


• Grease leaks from the CV joint boot

Left unrepaired, a damaged CV joint can eventually cause further damage to other drivetrain components, leading to even more expensive repairs. That's why it's important to address any issues with a CV joint as soon as they are detected.

Why are CV Joint Repairs So Expensive?

There are a few key reasons why CV joint repairs can be so costly:

• Labor-intensive repair process: Replacing a CV joint requires the removal of the entire wheel assembly, as well as the axle shaft and other surrounding components. This is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process for mechanics, which drives up the labor costs.


• Specialized parts: CV joints are specialized components that are unique to each make and model of vehicle. The parts themselves can be quite expensive, especially for luxury or high-performance vehicles.


• Accessibility issues: Accessing and replacing a CV joint can be challenging, especially on some vehicle models where the joint is located in a difficult-to-reach area. This further increases the labor time and costs.

In some cases, the entire axle assembly may need to be replaced if the CV joint is severely damaged, which can drive the repair costs even higher.

Tips for Preventing CV Joint Damage

While CV joint repairs can be expensive, there are some steps you can take to help prevent damage and extend the life of your vehicle's CV joints:

• Regularly inspect the CV joint boots: Check the rubber boots that protect the CV joints for any cracks, tears, or leaks. If the boot is damaged, it can allow dirt and moisture to get into the joint, leading to premature wear and failure.


• Avoid potholes and rough roads: Hitting potholes or driving over rough terrain can put excessive stress on the CV joints and cause them to fail prematurely.


• Keep up with regular maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular fluid changes and inspections, can help extend the life of your vehicle's CV joints.

By taking these preventative measures and addressing any issues with your CV joints promptly, you can help avoid the high cost of a full CV joint replacement down the road.

Can I drive with a damaged CV joint?

No, you should not drive a car with a bad CV joint as it is unsafe and can lead to a loss of control or a complete failure of the wheel. A severely worn joint can break while driving, causing the wheel to lock up or even fall off, which can result in an accident. It is best to get a bad CV joint repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your safety. 
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad CV axle: 1mFixITYouTube · Jul 28, 2024
Risks of driving with a bad CV joint

• Loss of control: A complete joint failure while driving can lead to a sudden loss of power to the wheel and a loss of control, especially during turns. 
• Accident risk: A broken CV joint can cause the wheel to lock up, leading to a skid, or can cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle entirely. 
• Further damage: Driving on a bad joint will cause it to wear out faster, potentially leading to more extensive and costly damage to other components, such as the hub bearing assembly. 
• Vehicle becomes undrivable: In many cases, a severely failed CV joint will make the vehicle impossible to move, as the power from the engine cannot reach the wheel. 

This video shows what happens when you drive with a bad CV axle: 56sbriansmobile1YouTube · Oct 10, 2012
What to do if you suspect a bad CV joint

• Do not drive the vehicle: Avoid driving the car and get it towed to a mechanic for a proper inspection and repair. 
• Listen for signs of a bad joint: Common symptoms include a clicking or popping sound when turning, vibrations in the steering wheel, or a clunking noise while accelerating. 
• Check for a torn boot: If the rubber boot that protects the joint is torn, it can allow dirt and grime to enter and grease to leak out, accelerating wear and tear. 

How much is a damaged CV joint?

Replacing a worn CV joint typically costs between $250 and $1,500, with most mainstream vehicles falling in the $300 to $900 range. The total price depends on factors like your car's make and model, the cost of the part itself (which can range from $80 to $150 for a common car or over $1,000 for a luxury vehicle), and the labor required (estimated at 1.5 to 3 hours).
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: $80 to $1,200+
  • Common vehicles: $80–$150 for a CV axle
  • Luxury or performance vehicles: $1,200+ for a replacement axle
• Labor: $150 to $360 (or more for complex jobs)
  • Estimated time: 1.5 to 3 hours per side
  • Labor rates vary by location and shop 

Factors that affect the total cost

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury and performance cars have significantly higher parts costs. 
• Labor rates: Prices vary depending on the shop and your geographic location. A dealership will often charge more than an independent mechanic. 
• Complexity: Some vehicles require more time to replace a CV joint due to their design or the accessibility of the part. 
• Scope of work: Replacing both front axles at the same time may be more cost-effective than doing them one at a time because some labor can be overlapping. 
• Related repairs: If the boot is cracked, it's best to replace the entire CV axle. Trying to just replace the boot can be a temporary fix and won't prevent the joint from failing later. 

How to get an accurate quote

• Contact your mechanic or a few different shops for quotes based on your specific vehicle.
• Provide the year, make, and model to get a more accurate estimate.
• Ask about the cost of parts and labor separately.

How much do CV joints cost to fix?

Typically, the part itself ranges from $150 to $350. Labour charges generally vary between $150 and $400, depending on the accessibility of the joint and whether the entire drive shaft or just the joint is being replaced.

Are CV joints expensive to fix?

CV joint repair costs can range from about $300 to $1500, with the final price depending on the vehicle, labor rates, and whether the entire axle or just the joint needs replacing. For mainstream vehicles, the cost is often lower, while luxury or performance cars will be more expensive due to higher part prices and labor time. It is possible to save money by having a less expensive, independent shop do the work, or by replacing the boot alone if the joint itself is not damaged and the car has less than 100,000 miles.
 
Factors that influence cost

• Vehicle make and model: The cost of parts and labor vary significantly by vehicle. A luxury or sports car will be more expensive to repair than a common commuter car. 
• Part vs. labor: Labor is often the largest portion of the cost. A mechanic typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours to replace a CV axle, though this can vary depending on the vehicle's complexity. 
• Parts: Prices for replacement parts can range from about $100 to $300 for the axle shaft alone. 
• Repair scope: If only the boot has failed, replacing just the boot and grease is a less expensive option than replacing the entire axle assembly. 

Cost breakdown

• Total replacement cost: The total cost for replacing a CV axle is generally between $300 and $1500, with mainstream vehicles typically on the lower end of this range. 
• Part-only cost: Replacement axles can cost anywhere from $90 to over $1500 depending on the vehicle. 
• Labor cost: Labor typically runs between $150 and $400 for the 1.5 to 3 hours it takes to complete the job. 
• Boot replacement: This can cost between $240 and $660 total, but this is a less expensive option than a full axle replacement. 

Tips to consider

• Get a quote from an independent mechanic: An independent mechanic may be cheaper than a dealership, which can sometimes charge 40% more. 
• Consider OEM vs. aftermarket: Aftermarket parts may be cheaper than OEM parts but still meet OEM standards. 
• Check if only the boot needs replacing: If caught early, it may be possible to only replace the boot instead of the entire axle, which would be a cheaper option.