What are the symptoms of a bad CV joint?
4 Answers
Symptoms of a bad CV joint: There will be signs of oil leakage from the dust cover, and abnormal noises or jamming may occur during use. The CV joint, also known as a constant velocity universal joint, connects the axle shaft to the wheel and is a crucial component in the automotive drivetrain system, ensuring continuous power transmission to the wheels in any direction. There are two common types of CV joints used in cars: one is the fixed-type CV joint, which allows only relative rotation between the driving and driven shafts without axial displacement during torque transmission, typically used near the wheel (outer CV joint). The other is the plunging-type CV joint, which not only allows relative rotation but also axial displacement between the driving and driven shafts during torque transmission, usually located near the drive axle (inner CV joint).
A couple of days ago, while I was driving, there was always a squeaking sound under the wheels when turning, which was particularly annoying. Especially when going over speed bumps or rough roads, the noise became more noticeable, accompanied by some steering wheel vibration, making me nervous while driving. Later, I took it to the repair shop for a check, and it turned out the CV joint was broken. They said the CV joint is like the joint of the wheel—once it's severely worn, the entire steering system is affected. Besides the noise, the car would also pull to one side, feel unstable when driving, and the tires would make a rattling sound during sharp turns. What’s even scarier is that if not repaired in time, the wheel might come off, which is extremely dangerous on the highway. My advice is to pay more attention to unusual noises and handling abnormalities in daily driving and get new parts replaced at a professional shop early to avoid sudden accidents.
Having driven for over a decade, encountering a CV joint problem is no joke. The initial symptoms include rhythmic knocking sounds on bumpy roads, severe steering wheel vibration during turns, and a loose feeling in the front wheels. Over time, one side of the tire wears out noticeably faster, the car becomes unstable, and may even drift during low-speed straight driving. A faulty CV joint affects the suspension system and poses significant safety risks. I always remind my friends not to wait until the noise worsens—jack up the car early and manually shake the wheel to check its wobble amplitude to determine if the CV joint is loose. Repair isn’t complicated; just replace it with a new part. But delaying may damage other components, leading to costly major repairs. Safety comes first when driving—address any abnormalities promptly.
I just started learning to drive and didn't know the symptoms of a bad CV joint at first. Later, while driving, I heard a slight rattling noise when turning, like metal rubbing, especially clearer on bumpy roads. The car's steering feel became vague, drifting slightly from time to time, and the tire wear was noticeably uneven. After asking around, I was told that a CV joint problem could affect the control arm's stability. A simple self-check is to push the tire by hand when parked; if there's looseness or play, the CV joint might be failing. New car owners shouldn't take it lightly—this issue can worsen the car's condition if not fixed. It's recommended to have a technician inspect it with tools promptly. After replacement, the handling returns to normal immediately.
