Can You Still Drive If the Car's CV Joint Is Broken?
2 Answers
You cannot drive if the car's CV joint is broken. The CV joint is located on the car's chassis and serves to connect the driveshaft to the wheels. Essentially, it functions as a universal joint, ensuring continuous power transmission to the wheels regardless of direction (primarily when the wheels bounce). If damaged, power transmission may be interrupted, and even if the car can still move, the steering may become misaligned. Below are additional details: 1. CV Joint Inspection: Check the entire front axle's driveshaft CV joint for any play. Excessive play in the CV joint can cause slight wheel vibration during acceleration. There will also be a noticeable power transfer process when releasing the throttle. You can also manually inspect by firmly gripping the driveshaft and quickly twisting it back and forth to check for any play. New CV joints are typically tight-fitted with almost no noticeable play, at least not detectable by hand. 2. Advantages of CV Joints: The CV joint boot is filled with high-temperature-resistant lubricating grease (molybdenum disulfide), which appears dark blue. Its key feature is maintaining good form and lubrication even under high-temperature conditions, something regular grease cannot achieve.
Speaking about whether you can drive with a broken CV joint, as someone who has dealt with countless similar issues, I have to honestly tell you that you absolutely cannot drive. The CV joint is a critical component connecting the wheel and the control arm. Once it fails, the wheel loses support, and you risk losing control during steering or even having the wheel fly off, especially when turning or driving at high speeds. I’ve encountered many car owners who tried to drive a short distance out of luck, only to end up with either severe abnormal vibrations and further damage or, worse, directly causing accidents that harm others. The safest approach is to stop immediately and call a professional tow truck to take the car to a repair shop for inspection. Don’t risk it to save a little money. Pay attention to unusual noises or shaking sensations while driving—early detection of potential issues can save you a lot of trouble. Safety should always come first, especially when carrying family members. The cost of a tow truck is nothing compared to repair bills or the consequences of an accident. Don’t hesitate—take action.
