CV Joint Replacement Cost: Everything You Need To Know

in Service and Maintenance
Broken CV joint

CV Joint by Kiwiev — CC-BY-SA-4.0

Your car has many components that don’t get thought about until something goes wrong. Among these parts are constant-velocity (CV) joints, an essential system that helps with acceleration and steering. CV joint replacement costs can be expensive, so before undertaking any repairs, it’s helpful for a car owner to know what’s involved. Read on as we dive into everything you need to know about CV joint replacement cost.

What are CV Joints?

In simple terms, a CV joint helps transfer power from the transmission and drive shaft to the wheels. All front-wheel-drive cars have CV joints, and many four-wheel-drive vehicles also rely on CV joints. There are two main subsystems, the inner and outer CV joints. The inner CJ joint is responsible for transmitting power to the wheel, while the outer CV joint assists the wheel in turning when the car is moving. 

A CJ joint is a group of bearings and cages that allow for rotation at multiple angles. These elements are covered in grease to allow for easy movement, and everything is protected by a rubberized sleeve called a CV boot. 

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Symptoms of a Bad CV Joint

Dealing with a faulty CV joint begins with spotting the signs of a problem. 

Grease Leakage

The protective CV boot can crack due to damage or age, allowing the grease from the CV joint to leak. Look for grease coatings on the brake caliper, shock absorber, or tire to indicate that the CV joint (and boot) need attention. CV grease has a distinctive black color, which is easy to spot underneath the car. 

Clicking Sound

Hearing a clicking noise while the car is turning is a common symptom of a failing CV joint. The sound comes from the inner CV joint not properly transferring power to the wheel. 

Steering Wheel Vibration

Noticing a vibration in the steering wheel is an indicator of an outer CV joint needing replacement. However, keep in mind that there can be several causes of steering wheel vibration. 

Grinding Noise

Another thing to listen for while cornering is a grinding sound as the steering wheel turns. This is usually the result of a bad outer CV joint. 

Loss of Torque

The ultimate sign of a bad CV joint is when the torque from the engine and transmission can no longer be sent to the wheel. The powertrain runs fine, but the car goes nowhere. This situation requires a tow to the repair shop. 

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What Causes a Bad CV Joint?

One unavoidable fact about car ownership is that eventually, anything mechanical will break down, and a CV joint is no exception.

  • Age: When a CV joint fails, it’s usually due to age. Specifically, this can mean the car’s age or a high-mileage vehicle. This component just wears out due to time or use.
  • Abuse: A CV joint is more likely to fail on vehicles that travel on rough roads. The regular jarring of the suspension system puts extra stress on the CV joint, resulting in premature wear and failure.
  • Lack of Lubrication: A well-lubricated CV joint lasts longer as the bearings and rotation mechanisms operate more smoothly. A damaged CV boot allows the grease to become contaminated and leak. 

Exploring CV Joint Replacement Costs

While not as expensive as repairing an engine or transmission, replacing a CV joint is a more costly repair. Prices vary based on the vehicle, with labor frequently taking up most of the expense. Here’s a look at estimated CV joint replacement costs for popular cars, according to RepairPal. The amounts reflect how much replacing a single CV axle (both inner and outer CV joints on one wheel) costs in zip code 60601.

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Generally, it’s not cost-effective to replace a single CV joint. Usually, the outer one will go first. But, the inner CV joint has encountered the same amount of use and abuse and is likely to fail soon after. Plus, the labor expense to replace the entire CV axle assembly is similar to what’s involved with replacing a single CV joint. The modest extra cost of buying a whole CV axle assembly is well worth not having to repeat the repair (with a single CV joint replacement). 

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Is CV Joint Replacement a DIY Job?

Replacing a bad CV joint is far more involved than changing the oil or installing new spark plugs. The job requires time, moderate mechanical ability, and the right tools (like a torque wrench). Plus, it’s not uncommon to have to deal with steering system components, making the work much more complex. 

In addition, conducting the repair calls for the vehicle to be elevated, which is inherently risky without the correct jack. Depending on the car, expect to pay 25-50% of the above repair estimates for the replacement part. 

Because driving with an improperly installed CV joint (or a faulty one) can cause a driver to lose control, it’s best to have this component replaced by a professional mechanic. 

How to Prolong the Lifespan of a CV Joint

Regular Inspection

Having the CV joints examined should be part of every car’s regular maintenance routine. Early detection of any problem can prevent a moderate repair from becoming a major one. In particular, catching a soon-to-fail CV boot before it allows the grease to become contaminated or leak means shelling out $100 for a replacement. That’s a far better scenario than paying for a new CV joint later. 

Cautious Driving

Sometimes, there’s no avoiding a rough road or pothole, but limiting a car’s exposure to these surfaces will go a long way in extending the life of a CV joint. If you do drive over rough terrain, keep the speed down to avoid excess jarring.

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