If your ride feels unsteady while driving, it could mean your vehicle’s constant velocity (CV) axle is wearing out, causing your car to wobble.
The CV axle is a part of the drivetrain that transfers power from your car’s transmission to the wheels, enabling smooth driving and turning. If it’s faulty, you should replace it to avoid losing complete control of your car.
Read on to learn about the CV axle replacement process and its costs. We’ll also look at the red flags of a failed axle and explain why you shouldn’t drive with it.
This Article Contains:
- What Signs Indicate You Need a CV Axle Replacement?
- How to Replace a CV Axle: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How Much Does a CV Axle Replacement Cost?
- 4 FAQs on CV Axles
What Signs Indicate You Need a CV Axle Replacement?
Here are some symptoms to verify whether your vehicle’s axle is failing:
- Popping or clicking sounds: Constant velocity joints connect your transmission to the wheels to transfer the torque. However, a damaged CV axle can strain these joints, which causes you to hear a distinct popping, clunking, and clicking noise while taking a sharp turn. If ignored, you may require a CV joint replacement.
- Abnormal vibrations: A broken axle strains driveshaft components like the universal joints (u-joints) and yokes, resulting in abnormal vibrations, especially during acceleration. Over time, it can also physically damage other parts like the struts and brake lines. To fix this problem, you’ll have to get a driveshaft balance service.
- Bumpy or unstable ride: If your car’s CV axle is broken, it’ll affect the suspension components, making your ride bumpy or bouncy. In such a case, you should get an axle replacement ASAP.
- Grease leaking onto the tire edges: The axle has an accordion-like rubber boot filled with grease at both ends to lubricate the constant velocity joints. But if the CV boot develops a crack, it can leak grease onto the inside edges of the tire. If this happens, get a CV boot replacement and re-grease the joints.
- The car won’t steer or move forward: A bad CV joint damages the axle, making it unstable and shaky. Without proper stability, your car tires will struggle to turn, no matter how much you rotate the steering wheel. To resolve this issue, you’ll need an axle and CV joint replacement.
- Unaligned brake system parts: When the CV axle breaks, it can affect the brake pads, rotors, and wheel alignment, resulting in unsafe driving. For instance, unaligned brake pads can cause your car to skid or make it harder to stop when needed.
Notice any of these bad CV axle symptoms in your vehicle?
Let’s see how to fix them.
How to Replace a CV Axle: A Step-by-Step Guide
CV axles are pretty common, so you’ll find them in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and front-wheel drive vehicles.
However, since they’re located under the car, they’re vulnerable to damage from uneven surfaces and corrosion. Once they’re physically damaged, they can only be replaced.
The replacement includes a thorough diagnosis of driveshaft components like CV boots, u-joints, and yokes, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. So, instead of trying a DIY service, it’s always best to ask an auto repair mechanic for help.
Here’s how a mechanic would go about replacing the axle:
Step 1: Prep for Replacement
The mechanic will park your car and engage its parking brake. Then, using a jack, they’ll raise your vehicle and secure it with jack stands. They’ll also double-check that the replacement axle is compatible with your car.
Step 2: Unscrew the Nuts of the Wheel Hub Assembly
The mechanic will use a screwdriver to remove the wheel’s center cap, hub nuts, and lug nuts.
Step 3: Detach the Ball Joint
Using pliers, they’ll remove the cotter pin (a U-shaped fastener) and unscrew the axle nut. Then, they’ll use a hammer or a ball joint separator to detach the steering knuckle and the ball joint.
Step 4: Remove the Outer End of the CV Axle Shaft
The mechanic will use the hammer to remove the axle’s outer end (including the outer CV joint and boot) from the wheel hub.
Step 5: Detach the Inner End to Remove the Axle
They’ll place a drain pan under the transmission area to collect any leaking fluid while removing it.
Then, using a pry bar, they’ll separate the inner end of the axle shaft from the transaxle’s groove (an assembly consisting of the transmission, differential, and other axle-related systems).
They’ll twist the shaft so the retaining clips pop free, allowing the bad CV axle to slide out.
During this step, the mechanic will also inspect the axle seals. If damaged or worn out, they’ll replace them before installing the shaft.
Step 6: Install the New CV Axle Shaft
Next, they’ll slide the shaft’s inner and outer ends into their respective grooves. Then, they’ll twist the shaft until it’s fixed and refix the ball joint into the steering knuckle.
Step 7: Screw the Bolts in Reverse Order
The mechanic will use a torque wrench to secure the axle nut and hub nuts.
They’ll reattach the cotter pin, refix the lug nuts, and reinstall your car’s wheel assembly as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 8: Lower the Vehicle
Finally, the mechanic will remove the jack stands and reinsert the wheel’s center cap. Then, using a dipstick, they’ll check the transmission fluid level and, if needed, top it off or refill it to the recommended level.
NOTE: If left unchecked, CV axle issues can affect tire health. That’s why, along with driveshaft repair, it’s recommended to get tire services. These services may include wheel alignment, tire rotation, pressure checks, etc.
Now that you know how a mechanic will replace the CV axle, let’s look at your possible expenses for this service.
How Much Does a CV Axle Replacement Cost?
The average cost of installing a new CV axle will be around $930 to $1,400.
This includes:
- Parts: $760 to $1,050
- Labor: $170 to $350
Your final costs may vary depending on your car model and the time it takes to replace the axles. High-end cars like the Mercedes-Benz C300 will require expensive parts. Also, replacing a single axle takes two to three hours, so your labor costs may increase if more than one unit needs replacement.
Moreover, if your other driveshaft components like yokes and u-joints are damaged, you’ll need to replace them, too. For example, a u-joint replacement will cost you between $380 and $420.
Want to know more about car axles?
We’ve got you covered.
4 FAQs on CV Axles
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about car axles that you should know:
1. What Are the Different Car Axles?
A few variants of rear and front-wheel drive axles are:
- Rear axle: This axle powers the driving wheels. It comprises two half shafts, which are connected to the differential. A rear axle is also called a live axle, as it rotates with the car’s wheels while you’re driving.
- Front axle: This axle is located in the front of your car. It helps with steering and handling the shocks while driving over uneven surfaces.
- Stub axle: It’s a stationary axle found on the front suspension of vehicles equipped with independent suspension systems. It supports the wheels but doesn’t transmit power or torque.
2. How Long Does a Car Axle Last?
A vehicle’s axle can last between 70,000 to 130,000 miles. But, you’ll need a CV axle inspection and replacement sooner if:
- You often overload the car beyond its capacity, which strains the axle and shortens its lifespan
- You drive frequently over bumps and potholes, leading to faster CV axle wear
- The axle seals are improperly installed, resulting in an unstable driveshaft that’s prone to physical damage
3. What Are the Consequences of Driving with a Failing CV Axle?
Driving with a damaged CV axle can result in:
- Deterioration of driveshaft and suspension components
- Unaligned wheels or complete wheel detachment
- Premature brake and tire tread wear
- Irreparable transmission damage
TIP: To address these issues, visit a garage or dealership for a driveshaft or transmission repair service. If your tires are in bad shape, get comprehensive tire services as well.
4. How to Prevent CV Axle Assembly Failure
To ensure your CV joint axle doesn’t fail, here are some car care tips you can follow:
- Schedule driveshaft balance service during routine maintenance to ensure the axle rotates smoothly.
- Get the bad CV joint, yoke, or rubber boot inspected and replaced when you notice any signs.
- Be vigilant of odd sounds and noises from under the car, especially while turning or accelerating.
- Invest in high-quality, durable CV boots, axles, and yokes.
Resolve CV Axle Issues with AutoNation Mobile Service
A failed axle can dampen passenger comfort and increase the risk of accidents. So, when you notice any drive axle-related problem, don’t wait till the last minute to replace it.
And if driving to a garage sounds risky, call AutoNation Mobile Service for a CV axle inspection and replacement right in your driveway.
We’re a mobile auto repair solution offering online bookings and a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including a yoke replacement, driveshaft repair, and tire rotation.
Contact us to change the CV joint axle or get other services like transmission repair or u-joint replacement.