Replacing FWD Joints.

How to tell if the FWD constant velocity joint needs replacing.

Noise is usually the most obvious clue.

The classic symptom of a worn or damaged outer joint is a popping or clicking noise when turning. The symptom can be aggravated by putting the car in reverse and backing in a circle. If the noise gets louder, the outer joints should be replaced. See a Modern Auto Air technician and allow us to check your system.

A "clunk" when accelerating, decelerating or when putting the transaxle into drive. This kind of noise can come from excessive play in the inner joint on FWD applications, either inner or outer joints in a RWD independent suspension, or from the driveshaft CV joints or U-joint in a RWD or 4WD powertrain. See a Modern Auto Air technician and allow us to check your system.

A humming or growling noise, sometimes due to inadequate lubrication in either the inner or outer CV joint, is more often due to worn or damaged wheel bearings, a bad intermediate shaft bearing on equal length halfshaft transaxles, or worn shaft bearings within the transmission.

A shudder or vibration when accelerating may be caused by excessive play in either inboard or outboard joints, but more likely the inboard plunge joint. These kinds of vibrations can also be caused by a bad intermediate shaft bearing on transaxles with equal length halfshafts. On FWD vehicles with transverse-mounted engines, this kind of vibration can be caused by loose or deteriorated engine/transaxle mounts.

A vibration that increases with speed is rarely due to a bad CV joint or FWD halfshaft imbalance. A missing damper weight on a halfshaft can sometimes cause harmonic vibrations, however. An out-of-balance tire or wheel, an out-of-round tire or wheel, or a bent rim are more likely causes. As always the best advice is to see a Modern Auto Air technician and allow us to check your system.

If a joint seems noisy, a visual inspection should follow. CV joint repairs should not be put off. Failures can have serious results. An outer joint that seizes while driving can cause loss of steering control. A joint that fails and breaks apart may cause the driveshaft to drop out of the car. As always the best advice is to see a Modern Auto Air technician and allow us to check your system.

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