Drive Axles

Front wheel drive vehicles have
two drive axles. One for each
wheel. Each drive axle has two
CV joints. An inner and outer.

Shown is an outer CV joint from a
front wheel drive vehicle.  The outer
CV joints connect to the two front
wheels. The inner CV joints are
connected to the transmission.  The
power from the engine is transferred
by the transmission to the drive axles.
The drive axles cause the wheels to turn.

CV boots are used to protect the CV joints. The internal components must be lubricated with a special grease. The boots retain the grease and keep dirt and water out of the joint. Boots are subject to wear and must be inspected often. The protective grease will be lost in just a few miles of  driving if the boot leaks. We suggest inspection at each oil change  and each time the  car is being serviced.

The CV joint must turn at high speeds and yet be able to take the up   and down motion of the suspension system and the turning of the wheel. The only barrier between the component parts and the environment is the boot.

• "Clicking" or "Popping" during tight turns indicates possible Outer CV joint damage.

• "Shudder" or "Clunking" accelerating or de-celerating indicates possible Inner CV joint damage.