Body joints and car joints both suffer from wear and
tear
A car’s CV joint and the joints in your body work in much the same way. They
all do tough duty, and when they stop performing their tasks, it’s serious business.
Interestingly, when they’re failing, they often make a similar sound. For example,
on a front wheel drive vehicle one tell-tale sign of a worn CV joint includes
a clicking noise when making turn. That should sound familiar to former athletes.
Other noises that indicate worn CV joints include a clunking when accelerating
after coasting, or a vibration when accelerating from a stop.
Here are a few frequently asked questions from the Car Care Council about this
important but often ignored component.
Q: What is a CV joint?
A: It’s the flexible part of the axle that connects the transmission to each wheel.
There are four of them.
Q: What does the clicking or clunking noise mean?
A: It means this joint is headed for failure.
Q: Then what?
A: You might have to be towed into a repair shop.
Q: What causes this CV joint to wear out?
A: Usually, lack of lubricant.
Q: Can’t I get it lubricated when I have my car serviced?
A: No. But you can have it checked. The lubrication, put in at the factory, is
there for life.
Q: If it’s there for life, how come it can fail?
A: The lubricant, a special grease, leaks out.
Q: Why?
A: A cut or other failure of the flexible rubber boot that covers the joint. Maybe
it’s been cut by a flying stone or other road debris. Maybe a retaining clamp
has failed. Maybe it’s a victim of old age.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay attention and that joint wears out?
A: You have a new one installed.
Q: How do I avoid this problem?
A: Check it or have it checked periodically.
Q: What would my technician look for?
A: Grease w here it shouldn’t be, such as on the boot or in that vicinity.
