There are many parts that make a CV joint work, but the two most important ones are the cage and the bearings; which give the CV joint and the CV boot its fluid flexibility. CV joints (constant velocity joints) are flexible joints that evenly distribute the power from a vehicle’s transaxle or differential to the CV axle half shafts and onto the wheels.

Rear-wheel drive vehicles with independent rear suspension have two CV axles in the rear, while front-wheel vehicles have two in the front, and all-wheel drive vehicles have one CV axle attached to each drive wheel.

The CV joints and axles provide a consistent transfer of steady power to the drive wheels, so when these components become locked up, corroded, or somehow defective it brings about a loss of power transfer and CV axle failure.

There are several signs you can be on the lookout for to notify you that it might be time to replace your CV joints: a burning smell (often caused by CV joint leaking grease), a clicking noise when turning corners or a U-turn, noticeably unusual clunking or humming noises from your vehicle when decelerating or accelerating, and also a visibly damaged CV joint boot.

Hearing strange noises coming from your car is never a comforting feeling. If you are hearing or noticing any of these symptoms above, it may be a sign that your axles are bad. Your vehicle axles are responsible for bearing the weight of the vehicle plus cargo, and helping the wheels stay in the correct position. Aside from the obnoxious noise it produces, a broken axle may cause damage to other aspects of the car. If you have been hearing strange noises in your car that aren’t coming from your radio, bring the car to Doug’s for an honest evaluation and axle inspection. Doug’s staff will recommend only the needed replacement parts to keep your car running smoothly, and getting you from point A to point B. Honest, dependable, and reliable. That’s the way Doug’s works.