How to Handle a CV Axle That Moves In and Out

AvatarByCarl Frisch

A CV axle (constant velocity axle) is a driveshaft that transfers power from the vehicle’s transmission to the wheels. It consists of two half-shafts connected by a flexible joint, which allows the axle to move in and out as it follows the changing distance between the wheels while they move up and down with the road surface. This joint absorbs shock and vibration, allowing for a smooth ride as well as providing stability while cornering. The CV axle is an essential part of any vehicle’s suspension system, and when it fails, it can cause serious issues with the handling of your car.

Clunking Noise

A clunking noise is one of the most common indicators of a bad CV axle. This is often heard when the vehicle is making a turn, or when you accelerate or decelerate. The cause of this noise could be from worn out CV joints, loose or damaged CV boots, or an unevenly worn out axle shaft. If you hear this type of noise coming from your vehicle, it’s best to get it inspected and possibly replaced before it gets worse.

Vibration

Vibration can also be an indicator that your CV axle needs to be replaced. If the axle is damaged or worn-out, it can cause excessive vibration while driving and make the ride uncomfortable. Common causes of vibration include a weak CV joint, bent shafts, or a worn-out drivetrain component such as a differential or transfer case.

Inability to Turn

If your vehicle has difficulty turning left or right, this could indicate an issue with your CV axle. This problem is usually caused by one of two things: an improperly installed axle shaft or a worn-out CV joint. If you experience difficulty turning in either direction, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to ensure there isn’t any further damage that could occur if not taken care of immediately.

Grease Leaks

Grease leaks are another sign that your CV axle needs attention. Grease leaks usually indicate that the outer boot surrounding the joint has become cracked and allowed grease to escape from inside the joint itself. This type of leak can cause damage to other components over time if not taken care of quickly enough and can even lead to complete failure if left unchecked for too long.

CV Axle Moves In and Out

The last symptom to watch for is when the CV axle moves in and out when you turn your steering wheel back and forth while driving. This movement can come from a faulty steering system component such as loose tie rods or bushings, but it can also indicate that your CV joints are wearing out too quickly due to wear and tear on them over time. If you experience this type of movement when turning in either direction, have your vehicle inspected immediately as this could be dangerous if left unchecked for too long.

Worn CV Joint Boot

A worn CV joint boot is one of the most common causes of a bad CV axle. This is because the rubber boot that covers the CV joint can become cracked over time due to wear and tear from road vibrations, dirt, and debris. If the boot becomes cracked or torn, it can allow dirt and debris to get into the joint and cause it to wear out prematurely. It can also lead to excessive play in the joint, which can cause it to move in and out excessively. To diagnose this issue, you will need to inspect the boot carefully for any signs of cracking or damage. If there are any visible signs of damage, then you will need to replace the boot as soon as possible.

Worn or Damaged Internal Parts

Another potential cause of a bad CV axle is worn or damaged internal parts. This includes things like bearings, seals, and other components that make up the axle assembly. When these parts become worn or damaged due to age or use, they can start to fail and cause excessive play in the axle assembly. To diagnose this issue, you will need to inspect all of the internal components carefully for any signs of wear or damage. If there are any visible signs of wear or damage then you will need to replace those parts as soon as possible.

Poor Quality Replacement Part

If you have recently replaced your CV axle with a poor quality aftermarket part then this could be causing your issues as well. Poor quality aftermarket parts are often made from inferior materials which are more susceptible to wear and tear over time than OEM parts would be. To diagnose this issue, you should inspect your replacement part for any signs of wear or damage that might indicate poor quality construction or materials used in its manufacture.

Excessive Corrosion Or Rust

Excessive corrosion or rust on your CV axle could also be causing it to move in and out excessively. This is because rust can weaken metal components over time which can lead to excessive play in them when they are put under stress from driving conditions. To diagnose this issue, you should inspect your axle assembly for any signs of rust or corrosion that might indicate an issue with its integrity over time due to exposure to moisture and other elements in the environment.

Accident Damage

Finally, if your vehicle has been involved in an accident recently then this could also be causing your issue with an excessively moving CV axle assembly as well. Impact damages such as bent axles housings can lead to excessive play in them which can cause them to move in and out excessively when put under stress from driving conditions on roads and highways. To diagnose this issue, you should inspect all components related directly related to impact damages such as suspension components for any signs of bending or warping that might indicate an impact-related accident had occurred recently with your vehicle’s axle assembly .

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the signs of a bad CV axle in an automobile?
A: The signs of a bad CV axle in an automobile can include a clunking noise, vibration, inability to turn, grease leaks, and the CV axle moving in and out.

Q: What could be the cause of a bad CV axle?
A: The cause of a bad CV axle could be due to a worn or damaged CV joint boot, poor quality replacement part, excessive corrosion or rust, or accident damage.

Q: How do you diagnose a bad CV axle problem in an automobile?
A: Diagnosing a bad CV axle problem in an automobile will involve inspecting the entire suspension system for any obvious signs of wear and tear. You can also check for any grease leaks from the joints and inspect the drive shafts for any signs of bent axles. If any parts need to be replaced, it is important to use high-quality parts from reputable suppliers.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my vehicle has a bad CV axle?
A: If you suspect your vehicle has a bad CV axle, it is important to have it inspected by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the problem, they may recommend replacing or repairing any damaged internal components. It is also important to have regular maintenance checks done on your vehicle’s suspension system to ensure that all components are properly functioning.

Q: How long does it take to replace/repair a bad CV axle?
A: The amount of time required to replace or repair a bad CV axle will depend on the extent of the damage and what type of parts need to be replaced or repaired. Generally speaking, most repairs can take anywhere from several hours up to an entire day depending on how extensive the repair needs to be.

In conclusion, the cv axle is an important part of an automobile as it helps to ensure smooth movement of the vehicle. It moves in and out to help reduce friction and improve the overall performance of the vehicle. The cv axle is thus an integral component of an automobile and should be regularly checked for signs of wear or damage.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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