5 Things To Know About CV Axle or Half Shafts & Their Problems
If you're driving a Volkswagen with front-wheel drive, it has half shafts or CV axles that take power from the transmission to the front wheels. Though they're an important part of keeping a car going, these important parts can be a bit of a mystery to the average driver. That's where our authorized VW service center comes in. On this page, we'll take you through what these components are and what to do if one goes bad.
6. What Are CV Axles & Half Shafts?
A half shaft is a drive axle that runs about half the width of your vehicle (hence the name). They connect the wheel to the differential or transaxle, and are equipped with Constant Velocity joints, or CV joints. CV joints are ball-and-socket joints, and they allow for a smooth transfer of power from the drivetrain to the wheels as they travel over bumps and around turns. These joints must remain lubricated and free of debris, so they're protected by rubber boots filled with grease.
5. Look Out for Ripped Boots
Since the grease-filled boots protect the CV joints, a ripped boot is a quick way for the joints to fail. Not only can the grease used to lubricate the joints escape, but dirt and other debris can get into the joint. Replacing a boot can be much cheaper than replacing an entire axle, so it's best to regularly check and make sure that everything is as it should be. A ruptured boot may leave grease on the inside edge of the tire, or you may see grease on the boot itself.
4. Keep an Ear Out for Clicking
There are many things that might cause a clicking or tapping noise in your vehicle, but the click that comes from a damaged CV axle is pretty distinctive. It's a loud click that only happens when you turn your car, and it comes from CV joints that have become loose by way of excessive wear. Unfortunately, waiting until you hear this noise means that the CV joint has likely run out of grease, and the axle will need to be replaced. This is why it's best to have the boots inspected regularly.
3. Driving Problems
If you ignore the clicking sound and continue driving, things can get worse. Eventually, the CV joint may fail entirely, which can jerk your vehicle to one side when you step on the gas or drive on a straightaway. If you go too long, the shaft might separate from the wheel, which can cause massive damage to your vehicle.
2. Can CV Joints Be Repaired?
If the CV joints have become worn out, it may seem like it makes sense to simply repair or replace them. However, CV joints are complex, intricate parts that require significant time and labor to repair. This means that it's usually cheaper to simply replace the entire axle than to replace or repair just the CV joint. And when you do have one half shaft replaced, it's best to replace both.
1. Choose an Authorized Volkswagen Service Center
Replacing a half shaft is a complex and time-intensive job. What's more, doing it wrong can lead to disaster, or even jeopardize your safety. For this reason, we don't recommend trying it at home. We also caution against going to an independent mechanic's shop. The service center at an authorized Volkswagen dealership will have the right tools for the job, and they'll also have VW-approved parts so that you can know your new half shafts will last.
