What it does
On front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, CV axles carry power from the transmission to the wheels while the wheels steer and move up and down. Each end has a CV joint packed with grease inside a rubber boot.
Common symptoms
- Clicking or popping when turning, especially on sharp, slow turns and when accelerating
- Grease slung on the inside of the tire, the wheel or nearby parts
- Vibration that gets worse with speed
- Growling or knocking at low speeds
What to look for
- Parking lot test: in an empty lot, turn the steering wheel all the way and drive slowly in a circle, both directions. Clicking that comes and goes with the turn is the classic sign of a worn outer CV joint. Listen for which side it's coming from.
- Check the boots: look behind the front wheels at the rubber boots on each end of the axle. A torn or cracked boot, or grease splattered around it, means dirt and water are getting in.
Could be something else
Clunks over bumps are more often ball joints, sway bar links or struts. A vibration can also come from tire balance or a bent wheel.
Is it safe to drive?
A clicking joint can last a while, but it won't get better. If it breaks, the vehicle won't move under its own power, and that can happen anywhere. A torn boot is the early warning, so deal with it before the joint starts clicking.
Related: Bad wheel bearing symptoms · Worn struts and shocks
Think it's your CV axle? Northwoods can check it right where your vehicle sits, anywhere in the greater Twin Ports area.