How to Check Axle Bearings

The bearings on your axle are part of a special joint called a "constant velocity" joint, or CV joint. A CV boot protects thes bearings by keeping axle grease on them. If the boot rips, the axle grease will leak out of the housing and the bearings will dry out. When this happens, the axle will fail. Replacement bearings must be purchased with a new axle. However, before replacing your axle, you should check the axle bearings.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Turn your steering wheel all the way to the left or right.
- 2
  
  Look behind the wheel. There will be a long steel rod running from the back of the wheel up to the transmission housing. This is the axle. The axle has two rubber boots on it--one boot at the wheel and one boot and the transmission housing. These are CV boots.
- 3
  
  Check the CV boots for damage. If the boot is ripped or you see a thick black grease leaking out from around the axle's CV boot, the bearings that are underneath the boot have been compromised and the axle and bearing assembly should be replaced.

"Auto Repair For Dummies;" Deanna Sclar; IDG Books Worldwide; 1999
"How To Repair Your Car: Car-Care Tips, Simple Repairs, Driving & Maintenance Tips, and more...;" Paul Brand, Motorbooks International; 2006

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How to Check Axle Bearings

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