What happens when a CV axle goes out?
When a CV (constant velocity) axle goes out, it can cause significant issues with your vehicle's performance and safety. A CV axle is a critical component that transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, allowing them to rotate at different speeds while turning. If a CV axle fails, it can lead to a range of problems that require prompt attention.
Symptoms of a Failing CV Axle
The most common signs of a failing CV axle include:
- Clicking or popping noises when turning or accelerating
- Vibrations or shaking while driving
- Grease leaks from the CV joint
- Difficulty steering or a "clunking" sound when turning
- Uneven tire wear or a "wobbling" sensation
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Causes of CV Axle Failure
CV axles can fail for a variety of reasons, including:
- Wear and tear over time, especially in high-mileage vehicles
- Damage to the CV joint from potholes, curbs, or other road hazards
- Lack of proper lubrication or a torn CV boot
- Excessive stress on the axle, such as from heavy towing or off-road use
Addressing the underlying cause of the CV axle failure is crucial to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Consequences of Driving with a Failed CV Axle
Driving with a failed CV axle can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Some of the potential consequences include:
- Loss of control of the vehicle, leading to an accident
- Damage to other drivetrain components, such as the transmission or differential
- Increased risk of the wheel separating from the vehicle
- Decreased fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance
If you suspect a problem with your CV axle, it's crucial to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?
The average cost to replace a CV axle is between $300 and $1,500, though it can vary significantly based on the vehicle, the parts needed, and labor rates. Parts alone can range from about $760 to $1,030, while labor typically falls between $170 and $180, depending on the complexity and your location. Luxury or high-performance vehicles often have higher replacement costs than common commuter cars.
Cost breakdown
- Parts: Anywhere from $60 to over $1,200, depending on the vehicle.
- Labor: Can range from $150 to $350 for the 1.5 to 3 hours the job typically takes.
- Total: A single axle replacement is generally between $300 and $1,500 for most vehicles.
Factors that influence the cost
- Vehicle Type: Parts for luxury, high-performance, or less common vehicles will be more expensive than those for a standard sedan.
- Part Quality: The cost can vary depending on whether you choose OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket parts.
- Labor Rates: Shop labor rates vary by location and the specific shop's pricing structure.
- Extent of Damage: If the axle failure has caused secondary damage to other components, the cost will increase.
What to do if you suspect a bad CV axle
- Get it inspected: It's best to have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem.
- Don't ignore it: A failing CV axle is a safety risk, as it can lead to loss of control. Early replacement can prevent further damage and potential accidents.
What breaks a CV axle?
A CV (constant velocity) axle breaks most commonly after its protective boot cracks, which allows lubricating grease to leak out and contaminants like dirt and water to get inside the joint. This lack of lubrication and presence of debris leads to wear and tear, which can eventually cause the joint to break, often signaled by a clicking noise while turning or vibration. Other causes include hitting road hazards, overloading the vehicle, or age-related wear and tear.
This video explains what happens when a CV axle breaks: 55sWoody's Works GarageYouTube · Aug 26, 2024
Common causes of CV axle failure
- Damaged CV boot: This is the most frequent cause. The rubber boot can crack from age, road debris, or improper installation.
- Leaking grease: Once the boot cracks, the grease escapes, leaving the joint unprotected.
- Contaminant entry: Dirt, water, and road salt can then get into the joint, causing accelerated wear and corrosion.
- Wear and tear: Like any mechanical part, CV axles have a lifespan and will eventually wear out from regular use.
- Impacts and road hazards: Hitting potholes, curbs, or other debris can directly damage the axle and its boot, leading to premature failure.
- Vehicle modifications: Lifting a vehicle can put extra stress on the CV axle, increasing the angle of its operation and potentially causing it to fail sooner.
- Improper installation: If an axle is not installed correctly, it can lead to premature and uneven wear.
This video shows how to tell if your axle is bad: 0:56802 GarageYouTube · Apr 3, 2023
Signs of a failing CV axle
- Clicking or grinding noise when turning
- Vibration while driving
- Clunking sound when accelerating or decelerating
- Visible grease on the inside of the wheel or on the boot itself
What happens if you drive with a bad CV axle?
Driving with a bad CV axle can lead to further damage to other vehicle components like the transmission and suspension, cause safety risks such as loss of control or an accident, and may leave you stranded. A complete failure can result in a sudden loss of power to the wheels, making it impossible to drive the vehicle.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad CV axle and how to identify them: 55sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Oct 29, 2023
Potential consequences of driving with a bad CV axle
- Loss of control: A sudden axle failure can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds or during turns, which can be very dangerous.
- Further damage: A bad CV axle can damage other components, including the transmission, suspension, tires, brakes, and wheels. Ignoring the problem can lead to very expensive repairs.
- Stranded: If the axle breaks completely, your vehicle will be unable to move and you will be stranded.
- Power loss: A damaged axle can result in power loss, making your car feel sluggish or unresponsive as engine torque is not being efficiently transferred to the wheels.
- Uneven tire wear: The irregular movement of a damaged axle can cause your tires to wear unevenly, affecting handling and performance.
You can watch this video to see what happens when a CV axle fails while driving: 56sbriansmobile1YouTube · Oct 10, 2012
What to do
- Get it inspected immediately: If you notice any symptoms like clicking noises when turning, vibrations, or grease leaks, get your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
- Avoid driving if possible: It is best to avoid driving the vehicle altogether until the CV axle is replaced to prevent further damage and safety hazards.
- Call for a tow: If you suspect a failing CV axle, it is safest to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop instead of driving it there.
What does it feel like when a CV axle goes out?
A bad CV axle feels like a clicking or popping noise when turning, a shudder or vibration while accelerating, or a shaking or wobbling feeling, especially at higher speeds. You might also notice a greasy film on the inside of your wheels, which indicates a torn CV boot.
Common feelings and sensations
- Clicking or popping noises: A rhythmic "click-click-click" that occurs when you turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. The noise will come from the side of the car you are turning towards.
- Vibration: A shudder or vibration that you feel in the steering wheel or the car's body, particularly during acceleration from a stop or when driving at a steady speed.
- Shaking or wobbling: A noticeable shaking sensation, often at higher speeds, which can be more pronounced when accelerating.
- Clunky noise: A clunking sound while turning and driving at the same time, which can be caused by worn-out joints.
- Excessive play: Difficulty turning the wheel or a feeling of looseness when rocking the wheel by hand.
Other signs
- Grease on wheels: A greasy or oily film on the inside of the wheel and tire can be a sign that the protective rubber CV boot has torn, allowing grease to leak out.
- Power loss: In severe cases, a broken CV axle can result in a loss of power to the wheels, making it difficult or impossible to move.
