5 Signs Your CV Axle Is Failing

Your CV (constant velocity) axles transfer power from the transmission to the wheels while letting them turn and move with the suspension. When they fail, the warning signs are usually obvious — if you know what to listen for.

1. Clicking or popping noise on sharp turns. The classic CV axle symptom. The outer joint is worn and the bearings inside are loose.

2. Vibration that gets worse with speed. A bad axle creates an imbalance that you'll feel through the steering wheel or floor.

3. Grease on the inside of your tire or wheel well. The rubber boot has torn, the grease has slung out, and dirt is now grinding the joint apart.

4. A grease ring around the boot or the underside of the car. Same problem, earlier stage — replace the boot before the joint goes.

5. A loss of power or 'clunk' when shifting into drive or reverse. The inner joint is failing and the splines are slipping.

Catch it early and a CV axle replacement is a 1-2 hour job. Ignore it and you risk losing drive completely, plus damaging the transmission output shaft. If you hear any of these signs, get it inspected — we offer free diagnostics.