As a car owner, routine auto maintenance items should include changing your engine oil, replacing your windshield wipers, and rotating your tires. Additionally, some auto parts, such as engine hoses, belts, and battery cable connections, require periodic inspection. We encourage you to add your CV or constant velocity shaft boots to your regular inspection list to prevent a $1,000 repair from turning into something much more expensive.
What is a CV axle and what does it do?
NewParts says a CV axle links your car’s transmission and its drive wheel or wheels, unless you have a vehicle with a solid axle driveline. Most front-wheel drive cars, all-wheel drive and some rear-wheel drive independent suspension vehicles use CV axles to deliver power to the drive wheels which articulate, turning left and right as the suspension moves up and down.
The CV axle typically uses two moving joints covered by rubber boots to protect them from dirt and grime while containing the grease that lubricates the joint. However, once the rubber boot wears out or separates from the CV joint, the CV axle won’t last much longer.
Therefore, inspect these rubber boots for damage and replace the axle as necessary to prevent damage to the transmission or wheel hub assembly.
How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?
Factors such as your location and vehicle specifics affect the cost of replacing a CV axle. RepairPal estimates that the professional repair shop costs about $1,000, with labor costs under $200 and auto parts between $800 and $900.
However, FIXD estimates that the job should cost a maximum of $672. The cost of replacement parts is the most significant difference between the two estimates, which is understandable with the wide variety of vehicles that use CV axles.
You may be interested if you can do a CV axle replacement. FIXD rates the difficulty level of the project as intermediate, while TheDrive rates the skill level required for advanced beginners and estimates an hour or two for the job.
If you have the necessary skill level, the next hurdle is the specialized tools and a flat, paved or concrete surface needed to do the job. Doing this job on a dirt, grass or gravel surface is not a good idea.
How often should I replace my car’s CV axle?
While a CV joint should last at least 100,000 miles and possibly the life of your car, experts agree that once the rubber boot protecting the CV joint wears or breaks, the end is near.
Most car manufacturers do not include CV axle replacement in the published maintenance schedule for a new car, as they only need attention if the rubber boot fails. So periodically inspecting the CV axle is a good idea.
There are four warning signs of a failing CV axle, including:
- Leaking grease or lubricant from the CV axle rubber boots.
- Popping or grinding noises emanating from the area adjacent to the vehicle’s drive wheels, especially when accelerating into a turn.
- A knocking noise centered near the drive wheels whenever the accelerator is released without applying the brakes.
- Vibration at highway speeds.
Except for number one, any of these symptoms warrant further investigation and possible CV axle replacement. If the rubber boots are leaking or the other symptoms are related to a failed CV axle, you should replace it sooner rather than later to avoid further damage to other vehicle components.
