At Mountain View Automotive in Thornton, we’re often asked – what’s a CV axle? Well, most vehicles today have what are known as “constant velocity” or CV axles. They’re a key component of a drivetrain, essentially responsible for transferring power from the transmission to your wheels and propelling a car forward. CV axles have joints, made of a heavily greased cage and bearings, that flex according to your road conditions and driving. This allows the system to deliver constant velocity without disruption. The joint components are sealed and protected from outside dirt and contaminants by a rubber CV boot.

Now that you know what’s a CV axle, you know how essential it is for making your vehicle go. They’re almost constantly in use and subject to a lot of wear and tear. One common issue we see is CV boot damage. Just like many other parts of your car’s engine, keeping debris out is vital. Dirt interrupts the smooth operation of components, creates friction and heat, and eventually destroys parts. So, once the CV boot is compromised, it’s only a matter of time before your CV joint and CV axle are affected.

Whether the CV boot is the root problem or an issue comes up with the CV axle or joint, you’ll typically notice signs that something is not right. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, be sure to call Mountain View Automotive right away to schedule an appointment for CV axle repair.

Signs You Need CV Axle Repair

When it comes to your vehicle, key indicators of many common issues include very out of the ordinary noises, changes in handling, as well as new smells and fluids that aren’t where they’re supposed to be. When it comes to your CV axle, the signs of trouble nearly covers the gamut.

• Click, click, click – As anyone with a bum knee can attest, a clicking noise in your joints is not exactly good news. With your CV axle, audible clicking or popping when turning is a sign of wear, indicating that the joints are coming loose. It’s most pronounced on sharp turns and u-turns.
• Bad vibrations – When there’s an issue in the joint or axle shaft, the balance might be affected and result in a noticeable vibration, especially when accelerating. As you increase speed, this could create issues with vehicle handling and present a danger to your safety. Don’t delay repairs!
• Why is grease there? – If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, check the inside edge of your tires or the vehicle’s underside for grease that’s out of place. This could be a sign of a torn CV boot and require a trip to Mountain View asap to keep dirt from getting in your joints.
• Oooh, burn – Once your CV boot has broken open and joint grease flung all over the place, common areas for this stuff to land are your exhaust or brake systems. If this happens, you’ll typically be alerted by a distinct burning smell.

If you’ve been wondering what’s a CV axle, hopefully we’ve provided the answers you need. And more importantly, explained what to look for if there’s ever an issue with this component or its neighbors. If so, come see Mountain View Automotive in Thornton for fast, professional CV axle repair!