What is a CV axle and HOW TO tell if it's bad.

[h22sparkle]

When you turn right when its under load and that joint with those balls with no grease lol and its gotten dirt in there and its all worn out sounds like my ex broad when I was done with her.

[brockdarr]

My Daughters 99' cavalier makes a grinding sound rather than clicking. Brakes are new, less than 6 months ago. ABS light has been on since we bought the car a year ago. Could this be the CV axle or something else?

[TheSilverado1989]

@briansmobile1... on my mothers car while your barley turning left it will knock but not while turning sharp its only while like changing lanes or coming around a curve could that be what it is

[briansmobile1]

@TheSilverado1989 Or sway bar end link



[TheSilverado1989]

@briansmobile1 how would you be able to tell the difference from the two

[briansmobile1]

@TheSilverado1989 Lift the front of the car and inspect the Sway Bar End Links for bushing failure or damage. If they're bad, replace them. If they're not failing then back to the drawing board- perform more tests and inspections elsewhere in the front end steering and suspension realm.

[mrkevindshore]

Great video! If you dont mind let me tell you my issue and maybe you can give me some feedback. I own a 2008 scion xb, 2.4L automatic with ABS and 98,000 miles. I just lowered it on ksport coilovers and now during acceleration it shakes on the pass side, no clicking while turning, no wobble of wheels when off the ground, when i put the stock struts back on theres no shakeing it was only with it lowered. But i do have a slight whine (like my old honda in reverse) but in between 15-30 mph in drive

[briansmobile1]

@mrkevindshore I'm not sure. Driving it would tell a lot. I'd take it to some one local with a good reputation and have them listen to it. This problem isn't common enough for me to make a call on it like that.

[pedrof830]

Have a 98 Corolla, I've noticed that when I'm doing about 45 and I let up on the gas, and then hit the gas again I get a vibration from  the driveline which seems to get worse when I take a curve to the right (left axle replace 2 mos ago) No click click only vibration when I accelerate, the right axle was replaced 4 yrs ago, regardless do I need to realign the car after replacing the rt axle again?

[briansmobile1]

@pedrof830 If you mark the strut bolts before removal you likely will not need an alignment.

[pedrof830]

@briansmobile1 thanks

[XxJason12xX]

well it wasnt the cv axle that was bad on my car. lower control arm ball joint seperated. couldnt just replace the ball joint and to replace the whole thing. was easy enough though.

[tompwh]

wow now that is a real clean sheet. 399 likes and 0 dislikes

[c10td]

Great Video! Recently i fond my 2005 Accord has a knocking sound from left wheel when I turn right very hard. I think it might be the left CV axle's problem. I just have a question that if I want to replace the left CV axle of my accord, do I also have to replace the right one at the same time? thx

[briansmobile1]

@c10td You're welcome. It's fine to just replace the left. Look at the boot on the right. If it's good just leave it for now if you like.

[XxJason12xX]

Oh yeah, as far as I can tell the boots are not split open. I can see no grease on anything. But it sure does sound like the axle to me. lol

[XxJason12xX]

I am going to replace the cv axle in my work car tomorrow. 1997 dodge stratus. It makes a clunking noise on the drivers side while turning. The slower I am going the further apart the clunking sound is. The faster I am going the closer together the noise is. Im positive its on the drivers side but before I spend $150 on it I would love some reassurance that I am correct in thinking its the cv axle.

[ivanpompa]

thanks for share ur knowledge!!!!

[maindaful1]

i like the explanation and was helpful. I really like seeing more of this video

[briansmobile1]

@maindaful1 Thanks! Will do.

[hudsonjamesc]

How can I tell if my vehicle has ABS? ( I don't have the winder sticker) Also I had a question about a noise I have been hearing. I just had an alignment and now I am hearing a whooping sound as if I am running on a tire that is becoming flat. Basically the sound only occurs once I let off the accelerator at speeds 20+ mph. What could this be? The axles are 12+ years old and when I went back to the shop that did the alignment and the mechanic heard the noise that is what he thought.

[briansmobile1]

@hudsonjamesc You can always watch for an ABS light when you first turn the key on. ALSO you can look for an ABS pump under the hood and for sensors at the wheels and or rear differential.

[MrSzviktor]

Hi, I bought a Nissan Micra 2004 about 1 month ago, and I noticed front wheels are moving quite hard, I believe, it is not from brake system, can it be the C V axle or a gear box problem (oil from gear box vas checked; level and color are ok, but the shift changer is moving a little hard too) . There is no sound, just the car is moving hard and consumes lot of gas. Thanks !

[briansmobile1]

@MrSzviktor Check tire pressure first and then alignment.

[MrSzviktor]

@briansmobile1 Alignment was recently repaired, so I think it should be ok, Thanks !

[cruzoperezo]

Hi Brian - great explanations...very thorough. I saw the question/reply regarding symptoms & tire, bearing or axle.. The car really pulls to the right - tires are A-OK, do you think it's the CV axle? No noise, just pulls. Forgot to check....do you have a wheel bearing video?

[briansmobile1]

@cruzoperezo That's usually a control arm, tie rod, or just alignment got whacked on a curb etc.

[conwaychowie]

Brian, you're the best online mechanic I've come across. Clear voice, steady camera shots, excellent focus and no swearing! (only kidding)

By the way, I have a question relating to your CV Joint video. I have just discovered 2 split boots my front wheels but show no CV joint noise or bad symptoms. How long do I have before it's too late? (I drive city roads for only 10 miles a day).

[briansmobile1]

@conwaychowie I TRY not to cuss. I really do. As for the verdict- I REALLY prefer doing the job once right the first time so if the split is all the way around I replace the whole axle. Cost is usually close to the same as a rebuild- getting the axle apart to get the new boot on is MESSY and can often prove labor intensive. Split boots are NOT fit for even lawn mowers. (That's my personal opinion)

[9b8]

Here's a little more history: Dr. William E. Deming, an American statistician and professor, consulted with Japan after WWII and helped them establish a successful, competitive manufacturing discipline in many industries through a quantitative quality management approach. Toyota and their Toyota Production System (TPS), Honda, Yamaha and many other Japanese companies can trace their success back to his contributions. Ironically, his methods were initially rejected by American manufacturers.

[9b8]

@9b8 (Cont.) Harley Davidson, who was such a company that rejected Deming's techniques, later adopted them after visiting a Honda plant and seeing how it impacted and improved their processes. Six Sigma, a process, product and service quality management methodology, also have great influence from Deming. Big companies such as Motorolla (who developed Six Sigma), GE, Honeywell, Intel, Boeing, 3M, Amazon, IBM and orgs like NASA all employ the quantitative quality management techniques.

[9b8]

@9b8 Oh, this might be significant...Deming was awarded Japan's Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class for his contributions and service to Japan.

[xgamble89x]

aight its cool dont have to answer my question?

[shaazy]

What a beauuutiful video!

[briansmobile1]

@shaazy Thanks.  I'm glad you liked it.

[lprocker189]

Can a bad cv joint cause nocking or thud noises without the car turning?

[briansmobile1]

@lprocker189 Yes, but it would at least have to be moving.

[MultiAlan1969]

Awesome video. I have a question though. I have a front wheel drive Chevy impala and whenever your coasting it's very smooth like it should be. But whenever you tap the gas at all it makes the whole front end wobble. Do you think that's the CV axle??

[briansmobile1]

@MultiAlan1969 Either that or a wheel bearing

[xgamble89x]

brian.. i have a question. i have a 93 honda civic ex 2 door. sometimes when im driving anywhere from 34-50 mph it feels like my front driver tire is flat. but its not. and it doesnt happen all the time. do you think its my cv joint? or wheel bearing? plz help i dont have money to go to a shop so i wanna do it myself.

[xgamble89x]

@xgamble89x also it makes my car jiggle a little and i can feel it in my steering wheel

[xgamble89x]

@xgamble89x and its not when im turing

[briansmobile1]

@xgamble89x It could be a bad tire, a wheel bearing, or a CV axle.

[es745572]

Hi Brian ok I have a 1995 civic dx 5-SPD the problem is that the left front wheel wiggles when you drive 65+ freeway and when u make hard brakes it wobbles, I lifted my car and see what's the problem and the tire moves left n right by that I mean like taking it out not by steering wheel motion and the right side doesn't move only spins like it's suppose too please help I want to know what's the problem so I can fix it my self when I have my day off thanks.

[briansmobile1]

@es745572 That's usually an upper ball joint/upper control arm.

[TheChev98]

Thank alot...keep up your video...i refer your video to a friends of mine...Kudos

[briansmobile1]

@TheChev98 You're welcome!

[TheChev98]

Brain gota question on my 96 honda accord? I jack up both tires and grab on 1 tire like steering wheel position and turn left and right while doing it i can hear click delay after each turns on both way and also 1 off the cv axle is leaking oil on inner boot? Can you gives a hint. thanks...keep up the video.

[briansmobile1]

@TheChev98 Axles click when under load long before doing it on a lift. Try to isolate the noise. It could be brake pads or rotor splash guard.

[TheChev98]

@briansmobile1 Brain I try what you recommend and isolate the noise come from inside tranny case on automatic tranny. so what you think or recommend before take to shop repair. thank alot..keep up education video...rock-on

[briansmobile1]

@TheChev98 I'd take it to a tranny shop at that point. It's the carrier bearing.

[TheChev98]

Brain dude I like it when you mention history about CV !!!!!!!Awsome...thanks

[briansmobile1]

@TheChev98 You bet.

[SuperStrangeone]

hey i got a ? for you..it has rained the las couple of days out here where i live.and one time i was driving in the rain i was making a right turn my steering wheel got really hard like if it dint want to let me turn any more or it wouldnt let me make the complete turn,,,this type of thing happens every time i hit a puddle, i think that water gets into a broken cv axle..what do you think cause it happens only when i hit a big puddle of water..let me know please

[briansmobile1]

@SuperStrangeone Thats your power steering pump belt slipping.

[stoneheart88]

I have a 2000 tiburon and it has one big thunk! when I turn. could that be a cv joint to, Im not sure because it only thumps once while I turn. and not at all when I turn slow...I damaged the car when I decided to burn the wheels like a jack-ass. Very informative video by the way, keep up the good work man.

[briansmobile1]

@stoneheart88 It's probably a strut/mount or a sway bar/link

[fingerstylefan]

Hey Brian, good video. Quick question.2006 Saturn vue, BAd wobble up front during acceleration at around 50 - 70 mph. Had tires replaced, rotors turned, hub bearings replaced. Ball joints, tie rods, stablizer links, all ok. Could it be cv joints? Had it looked at and they said fairly new, but I can't think of anything else.

[tehatemachine]

Does EMPI Make good cv axels? 

[briansmobile1]

@tehatemachine  Yes.

[tehatemachine]

@briansmobile1 oh ok. I Just purchased one from Rock Auto.

[TehEndahs]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. Just stumbling on your videos now. Funny, informative, and you clearly know your stuff. Subscribed!

[briansmobile1]

@TehEndahs You're welcome. When people say they like them it makes making them that much funner.

[soiledmytrousers]

My car has been making the clicking noise when turning but being broke and without another car i kept driving with it cuz im a dumbass. Anyway, the clicking/banging noise started when i was accelerating from a stop going straight also. Once i got to second gear or so it stops. Today i got a flat tire on the passenger side, most likely from this issue. Basically i was wondering if you could tell me if this is a CV axle issue. I have a 98 Mazda 626.

[briansmobile1]

@soiledmytrousers It most likely is. It won't cause a flat tire, but when it fails you won't have any mobility- just an angry drummer using hammers for drum sticks in your wheel well.

[soiledmytrousers]

@briansmobile1 I just found out that my car had bad control arms. I had both replaced. Still got the terrible noise though. Definitely a front end suspension issue :( The mechanic i saw said that the noise is due to bad struts. Is this possible?

[briansmobile1]

@soiledmytrousers Pretty much anything that can move can make noise. So yes it's possible.

[8057joe]

I recently bought new tires and I thought that could have been the issue so I rotated and the noise was still there, the sound to me in my opinion is a bearing along the drive axe somewhere I had the wheel bearings and brakes looked at

[briansmobile1]

@8057joe Sounds like it may be an inboard joint failure. You can verify this by wiggling the inboard joint and checking for play. This is less common, but happens well enough.

[8057joe]

I have a 97 accord 4 cyl auto, when driving 40+ mph I get a hum from the front end, it's not the wheel bearings ( had checked) it gets louder with speed and lower slowing down, if I shift into neutral the sounds still there, if I shut the car off and drift the sound is there, Any ideas anyone?

[briansmobile1]

@8057joe Tire wear noise. Try rotating the front tires to the back and see if the noise follows.

[PacificHustler]

My front passenger wheel makes clicking sound when I drive straight. Could this be the axle, hub bearing, tie rod or lower arm? 2005 Chevy impala.

[briansmobile1]

@PacificHustler Most likely some radical brake component or tire failure issue. Outside of that could be a wheel bearing.

[TheLegendStrike]

WHAT IF IT SOUNDS WHEN I TURN EITHER WAY?

[briansmobile1]

@TheLegendStrike THEN THEY BOTH MIGHT BE BAD...... why are we yelling?

[MrBlacktom83]

i looked at cv joint today on the boot close to the trans has grease but rubber doesnt look ripped its around the edge of boot not slung around everywhere

[MrBlacktom83]

I have and 03 monte carlo it has the clicking noise going on not while turning just when i accelerate but at a low speed like coming out the driveway or stop sign.my abs and traction control lights are on and my car studders sometime when i accelerate like the engines going to jump out the hood. what do you think it is a cv joint?plz help you can email me at blacktom83@yahoo.com

[briansmobile1]

@MrBlacktom83 could be a motor mount

[wardog31687]

Awesome video. I needed this, I have had this problem forever and never new what it was. Only thing that gets me is I don't even need to be turning for it to rattle, however it will make the rattling worse, and It mainly rattles on acceleration. This sounds like the problem and I'm hoping it is. I already did mounts and wheel bearings, now this is my last hope b4 I junk it. cheers

[briansmobile1]

@wardog31687 Those are the symptoms of a bad CV

[ElLeonidas2009]

and whats a cv joint?

[briansmobile1]

@ElLeonidas2009 It's the part of the axle that flexes.

[ElLeonidas2009]

@briansmobile1 ok, thnks, so I can buy it separately?

[briansmobile1]

@ElLeonidas2009 Anything is possible, but it's not likely to be easy.

[ElLeonidas2009]

@briansmobile1 ok

[rayingtons]

hey bro, both of my inner boot are leaking grease and flinging it everywhere...should u just replace the boots and pack it with grease or replace the whole shaft? cheers.

[alpessade]

I change my front struts in a 2004 Mazda 3, but after taking it to a ride the entire car is shaking really bad I thought the struts were bad but I notice the cv axle was broken, could this be making the car shake??? Thanks!!!

[briansmobile1]

@alpessade YES!

[MrDbleeg]

Thanks for all the videos! They have been a huge help. So, I'm in the middle of trying to figure out why my front passenger side makes a klacking sound when I'm driving. It usually occurs when I'm at slower speeds or when I let off the gas. Not always when I'm turning, but also sometimes when I'm going straight. I've inspected the CV shaft and the boots don't have a tears or cuts in them. Do you still think this could be a bad CV shaft?

[aeneas101]

is it safe to grease the splines on the inner cv joint? for me its like greasing your wheel nut.

[briansmobile1]

@aeneas101 YES. It's in a wet environment already. It only helps installation and protects the seal. The wheel nut holds the wheel hub bearing halves together and is in a dry environment. They also have a retaining device of some kind because it's what holds the whole show axle and all together.

[XmojotronX]

i have 2 large balls

[briansmobile1]

@XmojotronX You must be very proud.

[spelunkerd]

I thought I had worked through all your older videos but this one got missed. That's a great description of how it all goes together.

[briansmobile1]

@spelunkerd Thank you!

[wharpig]

I have a load popping noise coming from my front right side, makes a loud pop when I brake hard or accelerate hard and also in turns. I check the cv boots and they are fine, could the cv joint still be bad?

[briansmobile1]

@wharpig In one word. Yes.

[themrkonk]

Oh and both the boots look fine

[themrkonk]

My car is making a clicking noise even while im not turning. Is that a cv axle or something else? It does it when I accelerate ans it gets worse when turning

[briansmobile1]

@kchak1616 You're welcome thanks for stopping by.

[MightyCarnac]

Both outboard boots are bad on my '93 Sentra. Probaby been bad for a long time. I don't notice any noise when driving but running in gear on jackstnads there's a bit of grumbling. Is it likely the joints are bad?

[briansmobile1]

@MightyCarnac In a word. Yes.

[TheMcs33]

what do it mean win you take your axel out on the end of it it has rings around it do it mean you trans is going out

[briansmobile1]

@TheMcs33 No that's fine. One ring holds it in and the strata rings are from the manufacturing process.

[TheMcs33]

how do you reset the lights the break light and every thing on the dash on a Monte carol 2001

[arkondlight]

Hey my car makes minor intermittent noise when I turn to the left going forward and when I back up with wheel turned hard to left I get a solid consistent squeal. Is there a chance it is on the inside of the cv joint on the left cause when I am going down the road it sounds like it is on left side

[briansmobile1]

@arkondlight No. It's not the CV axle. It's the brake pad indicator OR it's the splash guard sheet metal next to the brake rotor.

[Tapil]

If my clicking is really quite and only happens when im at a complete stop and then turn right, should i replace ASAP or can it wait a few months?

This is a AWD car subaru

[briansmobile1]

@Tapil If your car is clicking while at a complete stop and you're about to turn then it is your turn signal. It's on and that's a good thing. If it makes noise on acceleration then you may need a CV axle in a month or two.

[Tapil]

@briansmobile1 lol I mean WHILE im turning right, but thanks for the humor :)

[briansmobile1]

@Tapil he he he ; )

[concordbdance]

great info here! Not that I am inclined to start changing my own cv axlesany time soon, but your videos make it easier to understand what the local local mechanic is talking about when I take the car in for service. Love the stories too!

[briansmobile1]

@concordbdance Thanks for letting me know. Making vids is like throwing a rock into the dark.  Some times I hear good things and other times nothing.

[brakedd]

would a bad CV joint or axle manifest itself in a clunking during braking? no loss of braking power but it makes a noticeable sound when the brake pedal is depressed to a certain level. noise gets louder as you push harder on the pedal, but lessens once you get past that point on the pedal.

i thought bad or warped rotors/pads at first but they're okay - at least i can't tell if they're warped.

[briansmobile1]

@brakedd It definitely can. I've seen that before.

[brakedd]

@briansmobile1 thank you! I will have it brought in to a shop, I do not have the space or tools for it, or know-how to properly diagnose it.

[KillerZero259]

great lecture brian!!! very informative!

[briansmobile1]

@KillerZero259 Thank you- I really appreciate it!

[YBR916]

hey man, I got a 2000 Infinti G20 and I got a clicking/knocking noise coming from the fron of my car. Unlock you decribed in the Video where it happens as you turn either way, mine is doin it only when traveling striaght and seems to go away when I turn. Could this be a CV axel aswell? Thanx and great vid BTW...

[briansmobile1]

@YBR916 If it does it when you give it gas it could be an inner joint failure (less common). If this is the case it should be quiet when you coast straight and are off the gas.

[YBR916]

@briansmobile1 It occurs anytime I'm going straight no matter if I'm on the gas or coasting, as long the wheels are rotating and the steering wheel is straight the problem persist. Also the car pulls to the right and the steering wheel jolts/jerks with with the noise.

[YBR916]

@briansmobile1 It occurs anytime I'm going straight no matter if I'm on the gas or coasting, as long the wheels are rotating and the steering wheel is straight the problem persist. Also the car pulls to the right and the steering wheel jolts/jerks with with the noise.

[briansmobile1]

@YBR916 It sounds like a wheel joint on an old 4X4 solid front axle. What year make and model is it?

[YBR916]

@briansmobile1 It's a 2000 Infiniti G20

[briansmobile1]

@YBR916 Boy I'd have to drive it to listen for a location. It'ts either the CV, the transaxle, or the wheel bearings from the description. I'd get some one near you with a trained ear to drive it/ look at it. I would drive it and then put the front end up in the air and rotate/ listen with the wheel on an then off.

[YBR916]

@briansmobile1 Ok thanks for your help man, I'll get it looked at...

[amgad3]

hey Brian, my accord shakes at about 20-25 mph when giving gas not coasting , is this axle related or something else.. thanx

[briansmobile1]

@amgad3 An inboard joint is likely bad.  It could also be a front wheel bearing.

[midlantic1]

Hummm, country's we bombed with nuclear weapons??? Who could that be?? LOL

[briansmobile1]

@midlantic1 War is ALL ABOUT GETTING RICH. You can make money on disposable weapons and then you can make even MORE off rebuilding the country you smashed, make business connections and friends in the process and make $ off those relations down the time line moving forward. MOST PEOPLE do not like war.... yet we go again and again due to false flags and propaganda. ARGGGHHHH!!! History people! HISTORY!

[1elAguila]

thats interesante amigo

[brakedd]

I've only owned and consequently worked on cars with live rear axles. CV axles have been a mystery to me. Thanks!

[briansmobile1]

@brakedd No problem

[Shroffff]

history, anatomy and how-to, topped off with a quick tip at the end :) amazing more please :)

[rtzapper]

Wonderful video Brian. I am now a subsriber as il love your videos



[happy543210]

I hate timing Belts and I hate CV boots. Both are guaranteed trouble on any front wheel drive car. I'm glad timing chains are coming back into use, but someone has to invent something better for CV joints than those horrible cheap rubber boots.

[briansmobile1]

@happy543210 You'll notice that many buicks use CV axles, but the plastic boots on them never fail. They also have timing chains. The weakness on a Buick? An intake manifold gasket that dissolves in antifreeze! And rod bearings that self destruct in the presence of antifreeze. I believe it was the White Truck Company that built trucks SO WELL that they went out of business because of no repeat business.

[happy543210]

@briansmobile1 Are you talking about the old "American built" Buicks or the new Buicks which are actually disguised German Opels?

[transdetendal]

heil the teacher, youll get an apple he he, thumbs up , you rock as usual

[americantractors]

i always thought the abs wheel was called a reluctor wheel.

[poching0521]

Hi Brain, I love your videos and they are very informative. I have a small comment regarding your explanation about weight transfer when cars turn. When you turn left, the inertia supposes to push the car to its right and makes the car lean to its right.

[briansmobile1]

@poching0521 I meant to say that... when you turn left the weight goes to the right side of the car.

[briansmobile1]

@nuccireyo7 They're a good car to love

[epiphaknee]

Some Other Excellent Videos on Brian's Channel on Replacing CV Axles (just Search for these titles above):

How to Replace the CV Axle on your Honda

How to do a CV Axle on a BMW X5 SUV

How to Remove a Stubborn Cotter Pin Like a Boss!

Slide Hammer CV Axle Tool

Stuborn CV axle tool for 1998 Mazda Millenia Left Axle

Thanks again for the Great videos Brian!!

[briansmobile1]

@nuccireyo7 The early 90's ones are BEAST to get out! sheesh! This is a 1991

[ncrdisabled]

Great video never click thumbs down I am disabled and a veteran 7 years in the navy on submarines and have a 1991 toyota camery 4 cyl that has 88k miles orig . I think I have a bad cv as I get a bang and the one side has ripped rummer I am going to look back in your videos for how to replace it I was told to allways to replace both I am replacing 1 and hope the other last a while longer.

[briansmobile1]

@ncrdisabled Thanks for your service! I'll upload a Honda CV axle vid today. I only replace the one that's bad unless the vehicle is going cross country soon.

[TRcustomengineering]

Great vid Brian!

Thumbs up from me all day buddy!

[briansmobile1]

@TRcustomengineering As long as you like them ; ) Thanks man!

[mustangsammy95]

Why would someone dislike this without even watching it? I say that because it was just uploaded and there is no way someone can go through the whole video in that short amount of time. Some virgins just need to get a life. Its time to walk away from the computer if your life consists of disliking videos just to try and make up for your pathetic life. great video by the way.

[briansmobile1]

@mustangsammy95 lol thanks man. I think it's the system? I always get one or two dislikes right off the bat.

[TonyWilliamsFever]

@mustangsammy95 There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.

[briansmobile1]

@mustangsammy95 The best way to get a life that I know of is to gain a marketable skill. That's one of the reasons I do these videos.

[hp11208]

cool