The CV joint, or Constant Velocity joint, is a critical
component of a vehicle's drivetrain. It's responsible for transferring power
from the transmission to the wheels, while allowing them to move up and down
with the suspension. However, over time, CV joints can become damaged and wear
out. Here are some signs to look out for that indicates that your CV joints may
be damaged.
1. Clicking or
popping noises when turning one of the most common signs of a damaged CV joint
is a clicking or popping noise when turning. This noise is caused by the
joint's ball bearings wearing out or becoming damaged, which can create a
knocking sound. You may hear this noise more prominently when turning sharply
or at low speeds. If you notice this noise, it's best to get your CV joints
checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
2. Vibration
while driving another sign of a damaged CV joint is vibration while driving.
This can happen if the joint becomes worn and causes the drive shaft to become
unbalanced. You may feel the vibration in the steering wheel or even in the
car's chassis. If the vibration is severe, it can even cause the vehicle to
shake while driving.
3. Grease on
the inside edge of the tire If you notice a lot of grease on the inside edge of
your tires, it could be a sign that your CV joint is damaged. When the joint
wears out, the grease that lubricates it can leak out and end up on the inside
of the wheel. If this is the case, you'll need to have the joint replaced as
soon as possible to prevent further damage.
4. Steering
feels stiff or difficult a damaged CV joint can also make the steering feel
stiff or difficult. This can happen if the joint becomes worn and starts to
bind, which can cause the steering to feel jerky or unresponsive. If you notice
that your steering feels different than usual, it's worth getting your CV
joints checked by a mechanic.
5. Knocking or
grinding noises while driving if you hear knocking or grinding noises while
driving, it could be a sign that your CV joints are damaged. These noises can
be caused by a variety of issues, including worn ball bearings, damaged seals,
or excessive wear on the joint itself. In some cases, the joint may be so
damaged that it fails completely, which can cause the vehicle to stop moving
altogether.
If you notice any of these signs of a damaged CV joint, it's
important to get your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Ignoring the problem can lead to more severe damage, which can be costly to
repair.
It's also worth noting that checking your vehicle's MOT history can be a helpful
way to identify issues with your CV joints. The MOT test is a mandatory annual
test for vehicles in the UK that checks for safety and environmental standards.
During the test, the examiner will inspect the suspension and steering
components, including the CV joints. If there are any issues with these
components, they will be noted on the test results.
By checking your vehicle's MOT history, you can see if there
have been any previous failures or advisories related to the CV joints. This
can give you an idea of whether there may be an issue that needs to be
addressed. You can check MOT history
online using the government's check mot status.
In addition to your MOT history check,
it's also important to have your vehicle regularly serviced by a qualified
mechanic. During a service, the mechanic will inspect the CV joints, as well as
other critical components, to identify any issues before they become more
severe.
In conclusion, a damaged CV joint can cause a variety of
problems, including clicking or popping noises, vibration while driving, grease
on the inside edge of the tire, stiff or difficult steering, and knocking or
grinding noises
Comments
Post a Comment