The constant velocity (CV) joint directs power from the transmission to the front wheels. If your front-wheel drive car makes a loud clicking sound when cornering, you should examine your CV joints. Clicking is a sign that your CV joint has suffered extreme wear and may be about to fail. When the joint fails, the drive shaft will suddenly disconnect from the wheel and your car will immediately lose power. Fortunately, CV joint replacement on many cars is not difficult.
Instructions
- 1
Chock the rear wheels, front and back, to ensure that the vehicle can't move. Remove the hub cap and examine the affected wheel. Locate the large nut in the center. Select the appropriate socket and loosen the nut using the 3/4-inch drive breaker bar. Do not remove the nut at this point.
2Lift the car using the floor jack, and remove the affected tire. Slide the jack stand under the frame rail and lower the floor jack carefully while ensuring that the vehicle is securely supported. Inside the car, turn the steering wheel away from the direction of the failing CV joint. Return to the affected wheel. Remove the large nut in the center of the wheel and push the joint through the spindle. Using a piece of wire or string, hang the CV joint from the strut spring until the other end can be disconnected.
3Examine the inside surface of the wheel spindle and locate the axle. Follow it and determine where the axle connects with the transaxle. Insert the pry bar or a large screwdriver between the transaxle and the inner CV joint, and pry the joint out. Unhook the outer end of the joint from the strut springs and maneuver it out of the wheel well.
Installation is the reverse of removal.
