Must the CV joint be replaced if it makes abnormal noise?
3 Answers
CV joint must be replaced if it makes abnormal noise, for the following reasons: 1. If the CV joint makes abnormal noise, it indicates that the CV joint is already damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. 2. In the early stage of CV joint damage, it usually does not make noise when driving straight but makes noise when turning, which does not affect normal driving. However, if not repaired or replaced in time, the situation will worsen until the CV joint falls off and the vehicle cannot move. Therefore, it should be replaced in time. 3. Reasons for CV joint damage: Generally, the abnormal noise of the CV joint is caused by the loss of lubricating oil inside the CV joint due to the damage of the boot, resulting in increased internal clearance and dry friction, leading to abnormal noise.
I've driven quite a few cars and repaired transmission system issues several times. A clicking noise from the CV joint is a common warning sign, indicating possible wear or damage to the constant velocity joint. If you only hear a slight squeaking sound, it might just be dust ingress or lack of grease—check the seal and add some specialized grease, which could solve the problem. However, if the noise gets louder and is accompanied by steering wheel or body vibrations, it becomes dangerous. This can accelerate wear on other components, such as causing driveshaft deformation or even detachment while driving, posing significant accident risks. I must remind you that while the CV joint itself is a small component with a low replacement cost (just a couple hundred yuan), neglecting it can lead to complete transmission system failure, doubling repair costs to over a thousand yuan. So, you don’t necessarily need to replace it immediately, but safety comes first. I recommend visiting a professional shop to assess the severity of the noise before deciding—it’s both hassle-free and reassuring.
Hey, I was just talking about this with my buddy the other day. His car also had that squeaky CV joint issue, and we spent quite some time test-driving to confirm the situation. Simply put, the CV joint is located at the wheel hub—if there's a problem, the noise is pretty obvious, but don't stress too much thinking it needs immediate replacement. Sometimes it's just dirt stuck inside or insufficient lubrication; cleaning and regreasing can silence it, costing just a few bucks. However, if the noise keeps worsening and you feel the car wobbling while driving, it’s likely the internal ball bearings or grooves are damaged. Delaying replacement could harm the entire drivetrain, affecting stability and fuel efficiency. I suggest recording the sound with your phone to show a mechanic—they can quickly diagnose whether a replacement is truly needed. This way, you save money without delaying car use. After all, small issues shouldn’t snowball into big ones!
