How to Inspect and Replace the CV Joints
Constant Velocity joints, commonly referred to as CV joints, are constant parts on the drive shafts of every vehicle. Be it front-wheel drive automobiles, rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive ones, proper motion cannot be realized with the absence of those CV joints. They are strategically positioned at both ends of the main drive shafts such that, the transmission of the car connects to the drive shaft through it, and at the same time, at the outer ends of the shafts, the drive shaft connects to the wheels, again, through the Constant velocity joints. As it is evident, there are both outer CV joints and inner ones and both have a common function; the inner ones transmit the torque from the car transmission …show more content…
The first step to take is to stop and park your car on a well leveled ground and get the emergency brake set. In case the front of your car is still low, it is good to pull out your jack and use it to lift that side of your car up. This makes the inspection all the more easy. You should be able to slide underneath the front center of your vehicle, and with the help of a flash light inspect the two CV axles. Nonetheless, if maneuverability at the front center isn’t good enough, then it is proper to slide at the side of your car, behind your front wheel and settle for inspection of one axle at a time. Either way, you should be in a position to check your car’s CV joint boots, each axle at a time. Carefully and keenly, visually observe and inspect every boot for presence of cracks or tears. Furthermore, it is advisable to check for any clamp damage and in other cases, if the clamp for the boot is present at all. As it has already been explained, a damaged boot expels grease, and for those areas you cannot see clearly, it is important to slip your fingers in those tight areas and feel if there is any grease on the boot and the areas surrounding. If the CV axle doesn’t have any of these signs and symptoms, it is safe to conclude your axles and CV joints boot are in perfect condition and you are good to