CV Joints
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Drive safely and fit a quality CV Joints from Repco
The CV joints in your vehicles drivetrain are one of the weak points when it comes to excessive use, and these can affect surrounding components when not properly maintained. Keep the running costs down on your vehicle and think about fitting replacement CV joints when you can hear audible knocking or feel vibration through the steering wheel when you drive. Our extensive range from leading brands such as Kelpro, Hardy Spicer and our own Repco range mean we have the right CV joints and driveshafts for your vehicle.
How much does it cost to replace my CV joint?
The cost to replace a CV (constant velocity) joint depends on the vehicle make and model, the type of CV joint, and labour rates. Typically, the part itself ranges from $150 to $350. Labour charges generally vary between $150 and $400, depending on the accessibility of the joint and whether the entire drive shaft or just the joint is being replaced. Vehicles with integrated CV joints or driveshaft assemblies may incur higher costs for parts and labour. High-quality replacement parts are recommended to ensure longevity and reliable drivetrain performance.
How long does it take to change my CV joint?
Replacing a CV joint usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours for a professional mechanic. The time depends on the vehicle design and whether the entire driveshaft needs removal or just the joint. The process involves lifting the vehicle safely, removing the wheel, disconnecting suspension components if necessary, and carefully removing and replacing the CV joint or driveshaft assembly. Additional time may be necessary if damaged suspension parts or wheel bearings are identified during the service.
What other things should I check when changing my CV joint?
When replacing a CV joint, it is important to inspect related components such as the CV boot, drive shaft, wheel bearings, and suspension parts. A torn or damaged CV boot often causes joint failure and should be replaced promptly to prevent contamination. Check for grease leaks around the joint and assess the condition of the entire driveshaft for bends or cracks. Inspect suspension components like control arms, ball joints, and tie rods for wear or damage that may affect vehicle handling and safety. Addressing these areas during CV joint replacement promotes overall drivetrain health and reliability.
What is the average life span of my CV joint?
The average lifespan of a CV joint generally ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 kilometres, though this varies based on driving conditions, maintenance, and vehicle type. Regular inspection and timely replacement of the CV boot can significantly extend joint life by preventing dirt and moisture ingress. Symptoms of worn CV joints include clicking noises during turns, vibration during acceleration, or grease leakage. Detecting issues early helps avoid complete joint failure and potential damage to other drivetrain components.
Do I need specialist tools to change my CV joint?
Replacing a CV joint often requires specialised tools such as a CV boot clamp tool, a pry bar, and a hammer for removing and installing the joint or driveshaft. A torque wrench is important to tighten fasteners to manufacturer specifications. In some cases, specific tools may be necessary to safely disconnect suspension or drivetrain components. While many hand tools such as socket sets and wrenches are used, the correct specialised equipment ensures safe, precise work and prevents damage to components. Access to the vehicle’s service manual with step-by-step instructions is valuable for a successful replacement.
What does a CV joint do?
Constant Velocity joints or CV joints connect between the wheel hub and the driveshaft that transmits power from the engine or drivetrain. CV joints comprise ball bearings and a ball bearing race for housing these balls, with the unit then packed with high temperature bearing grease and a protective CV joint boot sealing against water and dirt ingress.
Outer cv joints connect the the driveshaft to the wheel hub by way of a hub nut and this is true on both front wheel drive cars and many rear wheel drive vehicles.
Some driveshafts comprise both outer cv joints as well as inner cv joints to enable the suspension and steering to travel through their required range of up and down motion and turning angles. Modern all wheel or four wheel drive cars will may have as many as 8 CV joints in their drivetrain so in many cases a cv joint boot failing is not a matter or if, but a matter of when.
Why do I need a new CV Joint
Over time and with the underside of our vehicles being subjected to all manner of heat, dirt, water and wear these inner or outer cv joint boots can sometime split or separate from the CV joint they cover. This may be apparent by dark grease splattered on surrounding components such as the lower ball joint.
From there it is only a matter of time before the grease runs out or becomes ineffective to the lubrication of the joint. Once this happens, the metal on metal contact between the drive shaft and the CV joint will eventually get louder and more pronounced especially as you turn corners and put your more load through these components. This can be noticed by either a clunking noise or a clicking or popping noise. These components will eventually fail and will contribute to a sizeable bill to fix this and get you back on the road.
CV joints deliver that constant speed to your drive wheels and should be typically inspected every service. Regular maintenance visits however are not usually required if visual inspection suggest nothing amiss. Most CV joint problems stem from when the protective boot cracks and grease is coming from within. This early sign will enable you to visit your local mechanic to have it rectified.
Shop Repco's range of quality CV Joints
Repco stock a wide range of quality CV joint replacement options that have been manufactured to stand up to the harsh punishment these components endure and by replacing these will save on long term issues that can be costly. Don't be left stranded with a failed inner cv joint or any other cv joint problems when you keep on top of any potential problems by visually checking these periodically. Any signs of excess grease on components or tears in the boot will give you an indication bigger issues soon to be in play. Browse online and use our Rego search tool to find not just the right CV joint but the full range of driveline parts for your vehicle.
