CV Axle / Joint

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In simply terms, the engine drives the axles. Commonly found in front wheel drive vehicles, a drive axle is split between two half axles with differential and universal joints between them. Each half axle connects to the wheel by a third joint the constant velocity (CV) joint that allows the wheels to move freely. This joint allows the shaft to rotate, transmitting power at a constant speed without a significant increase in friction and heat. CV joints require regular inspection.

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Symptoms of a damaged CV - Joint / Axle:

In most cases you can hear a clicking or cranking noise while making a sharp turn. Also grease can sometime be seen on your wheels due to a boot being broken letting the grease escape from the CV - Joint.

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• Loud clicking noises when turning

• Excessive vibration while driving

• Grease on edge of tire / wheel

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Go out to a large space such as a parking lot, and slowly drive in tight circles. If you hear a clicking or cracking noise, you have a worn joint, and it must be repaired immediately.

 

 

Driveshaft

 

A drive shaft is a mechanical rotating tube that transfers the torque from a vehicle’s transmission to the differential of a vehicle. Drive shafts transfers a tremendous amount of torque and load with twisting force and high speed vibrations. Drive shafts must remain light weight, strong and vibration free to power your vehicle nice and smoothly.

 

Symptoms of a damaged Driveshaft

 

• Clunking noises when the vehicle is in motion

• Vibration that intensifies as the car accelerates

• Strong vibration coming from the vehicle’s floorboards

• Resistance when maneuvering the car around corners

• Squeaking or rattling noises

• Visible play in the U joints when you grab or otherwise manually move the drive shaft

• Visible signs of U joint wear, such as rust around the yoke

 

 

 

Differential

 

When a car makes a turn, the interior facing wheels naturally turn slower than the exterior-facing wheels because the exterior-facing wheels have to travel farther to get the car around the corner. For this reason, the wheels of a car need to be able to revolve independently and at varying speeds to prevent slipping, and to keep the car moving with power around corners.

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A car’s differential is a mechanical set of simple planetary gears that allows wheels to spin at independent speeds, and to be independently powered by the engine through the vehicles drive train.

 

Symptoms of a damaged Differential

• A whirring noise either while decelerating or at speeds that exceed 15 mph

• A rumbling sound that starts when the car is traveling faster than 15 mph

• A persistent clunking sound

• A high pitched howling sound during acceleration

• A banging or skipping when cornering