How much cv joints

CV axles have an inner joint and an outer joint. Either the two CV joints on a drive axle can be replaced separately, if necessary. That involves removing the axle, removing the axle boot and then the joint, installing a new joint, new grease and the boot, then, reinstalling the axle in the vehicle.

For whatever reason, whether using OE parts or aftermarket, pre-assembled CV axles generally cost about the same or often less as single CV joint cost. Many shops will use a standard charge for axle replacement rather than come up with specific estimates for specific vehicles. If needed, the cost of alignment would be additional.

The above CV axle estimates rely on book time; many shops will replace axles at a standard charge on most vehicles rather than book time, usually often calculated at a flat hour labor charge. Usually that is taken care of by the shop, and is only an issue if the old axle is damaged in some way that it has no core value. For many years, depending on the vehicle, new axles were only available through dealer sources and only remanufactured axles were commonly available in the aftermarket.

Most of the time, a new axle is the best choice, but looking at the CV joint pricing differences above — many times, it comes down to cost.

In the last few years, there is much better availability for new aftermarket axles on many vehicles. On most CV axles, there is an axle seal at the juncture where it slides into the body of transmission. But the seal is easy to damage during installation and is usually pretty insignificant in cost, especially when compared to the cost of a double axle joint replacement.

Often, a wheel alignment will be recommended after the axle replacement. There is a general rule that if any part of the suspension between the wheels is removed or replaced, the alignment should be checked. On most vehicles, to replace an axle, you have to disconnect a lower ball joint. Sometimes the whole knuckle has to be removed and sometimes the knuckle is disconnected at the strut.

The main sign of a change in toe angle the primary angle involved in tire wear is a change in the position of the steering wheel when driving straight down a flat road.

If you go too fast, your ability to control the vehicle will be limited which could put you and other drivers on the road in danger. Rather than continuing to put people at risk, take any early vibrations as a warning sign that you need to get your CV joint replaced. If your vehicle has a boot that is torn, it could result in grease leaking from it.

This grease will get thrown into the wheel or tire edges as the axle continues to turn, causing grease to appear on them. One easily recognizable symptom is a knocking noise that comes from the CV joint if it is too worn or damaged.

It will either come from the inner joint on a front-wheel drive vehicle or the inner and outer joints of a rear-wheel drive vehicle. If you want to find out on your own if this is due to the CV joint, change the gear to reverse and then step on the gas pedal. I usually just compare it to the opposite side. When in doubt, I just replace them. To me they seem inexpensive enough to swap out if I suspect a problem.

I cover the topic a bit in this article. Home Topic How much play in inner cv joint question. How much play in inner cv joint question. September 30, at pm Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 of 4 total. Gumpy Guss Participant. October 1, at am