How to Troubleshoot CV Joints Making Clicking Sounds

CV (Constant Velocity) joints allow the axles on your vehicle to flex. This is important because otherwise your vehicle would not be able to turn left or right. The joint is protected by a rubber boot. Inside the boot is axle grease which keeps the joint lubricated. When your axle fails, it's usually because the CV joint failed. When this happens, you need to replace the entire axle. Replacing the axle can be a time-consuming job, so before you do this, troubleshoot the problem to make sure that your CV joint has failed.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Check to see whether your CV joints are clicking by driving around the block, close to home. Make a hard right or left turn, paying attention to any sound coming from the wheelwells. A damaged CV joint will produce a rapid clicking sound.

2. Park the vehicle and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right.

3. Look behind the wheel at the CV joint using a flashlight. You should see the rubber boot that covers the CV joint. Your vehicle will likely have two CV joints--one at the wheel and one at the transmission. If the boot is ripped, assume that the joint has failed. You should also see thick, black grease coming out of the boot. This is axle or CV boot grease. If you see this, the CV joint and axle assembly need to be replaced. They cannot be serviced.

References

• "Auto Repair For Dummies;" Deanna Sclar;" 1999