What are the symptoms of a bad car CV joint?
2 Answers
Car CV joint failure symptoms include: Regular "clicking" noises during normal steering or when driving over bumps, and in severe cases, loss of power may occur. A "clicking" sound during steering usually indicates a problem with the outer CV joint, though the inner CV joint could also be the cause, but outer joint failure is more likely. A "clicking" sound when going over bumps typically points to an inner CV joint issue. In fact, the inner CV joint may produce noise even when driving straight after it's damaged. The inner CV joint connects to the transmission differential, while the outer CV joint connects to the wheel. The outer CV joint plays a role in both power transmission and vehicle turning.
I've driven for several years, and when the CV joint fails, the symptoms are quite noticeable. When turning, especially during sharp turns, you can hear a clicking sound, somewhat like small stones hitting the underside of the car. When accelerating, the car starts to vibrate, and the steering wheel shakes along with it, particularly on bumpy roads. At high speeds, you can feel the tires becoming unstable, making the car prone to skidding. If left unrepaired, tire wear accelerates, and it might even damage the driveshaft, leading to a loss of control, which is dangerous. I recommend listening carefully for unusual noises during inspections and checking for any oil leaks under the chassis. Pay attention to strange sounds while driving and perform regular maintenance to minimize such issues. Especially for those driving older cars, frequent oil changes and rust prevention can significantly extend the vehicle's lifespan and save a lot of hassle.
