Out of Joint (CV Joint and Boot Replacement)
June 9, 2024
If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it has components called CV joints which enable you to turn your wheels smoothly. The CV stands for “constant velocity.” In essence, it’s a set of gears that connect a shaft that allows power from the transmission to be sent to the wheels. When you turn the wheels, no matter what angle, the input velocity rotation will be equal to the output. Thus, the name, CV (constant velocity) joint. Other vehicles with 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive also use CV joints.
If one of your CV joints isn’t working right, you may find your vehicle difficult to handle. If one breaks, your vehicle may stop moving. So, it’s important that CV joints be in top working condition. The joints need a lot of lubrication, so they are surrounded by grease. There’s a rubber enclosure around them called the boot which holds the grease in and protects CV joints from the elements.
The biggest problems come when one of those rubber boots cracks. Water and dirt can then get into the joint, causing it to wear down and lose all its vital lubrication. It’s important to have your CV joints inspected regularly so a technician can spot cracks before the CV joints are ruined. Sometimes just the boot can be replaced before any major damage is done. But when the joint does go bad, it must be replaced.
Signs your CV joint needs changing out? You might hear a clicking sound when you turn if the CV joint is worn out. You might notice some thick, black grease around your wheel or on the pavement where you park your vehicle. You might also feel your vehicle vibrate when you’re going fast.
If you suspect you might have a bad CV joint, bring your vehicle in so a technician can determine what’s going on. Keep your CV joints in good shape and reduce the risk of them seizing up at an inopportune time so you can avoid being stranded.
ABC Auto Works
127 E. Walled Lake Drive
Walled Lake, Michigan 48390
800-742-4511
abc-auto-works.autotipsblog.com
Need Service?
More articles from ABC Auto Repair & Tire Center
Straight Steering Starts Here
August 2, 2026
Wheel alignment is one of those maintenance items you probably dont notice until something doesnt feel quite right. But alignment plays a major role in how safely and smoothly your vehicle handles. If your wheels arent all pointed in the right direction, everything from steering response to tire ... More
That Clunk Isn’t Normal: Why Your U-Joints Need Lubrication (Lubricate U-Joints)
July 26, 2026
If youve noticed a clunk when shifting from park to drive, accelerating from a stop or letting off on your accelerator, it may be your vehicle warning you about dry or failing U-joints. Those are small, critical components in your drivetrain that allow the driveshaft to flex as your suspension mo... More
Timing Cover Replacement
July 19, 2026
Your engine has a lot of parts that need to work in harmony in order to keep you powering down the road. Some of those parts need to be protected in order to keep things running smoothly, and one that does the job is called a timing cover. It is in the front of your engine and shields components... More