Axle, CV Joint & Driveshaft Repair
Description of Axle, CV Joint & Driveshaft Repair
Your vehicle’s axle, CV joint, and driveshaft components are integral to the performance and drivability of your vehicle. The driveshaft is a steel or aluminum cylindrical component that connects the transmission to the rear differential. The driveshaft connects to the transmission through the CV joints, which are responsible for transferring the torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed. Front wheel drive vehicles use CV joints on the front axles. CV joints allow the axle to bend and change while accommodating the bounce of the wheels. The axle bears the weight of the vehicle while also being strong enough to sustain the forces from braking and accelerating. Over time and through normal use, your vehicle’s axle, CV joint, and driveshaft components may require maintenance or replacement services.
Benefits of Axle, CV Joint & Driveshaft Repair
There are signs to look for when determining when to schedule an inspection of your vehicle’s front axle, rear axle, CV joints, and driveshaft components. Clunking or clicking noises are signs that a CV joint needs replacement. Vibrations during acceleration may indicate a damaged driveshaft, though they may also point to an axle issue depending on the layout of your vehicle. Turning and steering issues may also arise out of a problem with the driveshaft. CV joints can go bad when the grease leaks out of a damaged CV boot. There are various determinants for how quickly your vehicle’s axle, CV joint, and driveshaft components will degrade over time. If you would like to learn more about the intervals between repairs for front wheel drive axles, main driveshafts, CV joints, U-joints, yokes, and other axle assembly components, then contact us today.
- Approximate Service Time: 60 Minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind CV Axle Inspection Services at Total Roadside Services
The CV axle is a drive axle located between the drive wheels. Its role is to deliver consistent power to the wheels as they traverse various types of terrain. The CV axle is attached to the wheels by CV joints. The inner CV joints connect the transmission to the CV axle while the outer CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels. The CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels, and deliver power while maintaining a constant velocity. The CV axle assembly—the axle shaft, CV joints, and CV boots—is designed to deliver flexible power to the wheels. This means that the axle is able to transmit required levels of torque to the wheels regardless of the angle of the axle. At first, CV axles were commonly used in front-wheel drive vehicles, but today CV axles are also common in rear-wheel drive vehicles.
- Approximate Service Time: 60 minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind CV Axle Replacement Services at Total Roadside Services
CV axles were once primarily used on front-wheel drive vehicles. Today, CV axles are common on both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles. The CV axle assembly—the axle shaft, CV joints, and CV boots—is designed to flexibly deliver power to the wheels for a seamless transfer of torque. Located between the drive wheels, the CV axle, along with the suspension system, compensates for irregularities in the road and transmits torque to the wheels while keeping them turning at a constant velocity. The CV axle is attached to the wheels by CV joints. The inner CV joints connect the transmission to the CV axle while the outer CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels. A fully functional CV axle assembly provides your vehicle with safety and stability while supporting passenger comfort through various speeds and driving conditions.
- Approximate Service Time: 60 minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind CV Boot Replacement Services at Total Roadside Services
CV joints connect the transmission to the wheels and are an important part of your vehicle’s drive axles. Each drive axle has two CV joints. The inner CV joint connects the transmission to the axle, and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheels. As the vehicle experiences road force, the CV joints move in conjunction with the suspension system while helping the wheels maintain a constant velocity. A CV boot houses a CV joint and protects it by keeping out dirt, debris, and other elements. CV boots are made of rubber or plastic strong enough to withstand the constant bending of the CV joints. The boots also ensure that the CV joints remain lubricated by encapsulating the required amount of lithium moly grease. Without proper lubrication, a CV joint cannot easily adjust to the motion of the wheels. CV boots naturally degrade with age. Inspections can prolong the life of CV joints and prevent costly future repairs or replacements.
- Approximate Service Time: 60 minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind CV Joint Replacement Services at Total Roadside Services
Your vehicle’s CV joints connect to the drive axles, which connect the transmission to the wheels. The inner CV joint connects the transmission to the axle, and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheels. Because the CV joint links two rotating shafts in a fixed position, it must allow for a range of motion to compensate for road force while keeping the two shafts connected. The CV joint is responsible for transmitting consistent torque to the wheels regardless of the angle of the axle or shaft. The CV joints move with the suspension system to help the wheels maintain a constant velocity through various road forces like bumps and potholes. The CV joint is designed like a ball and socket joint and uses steel balls to move a larger ball enclosed by steel. A CV boot covers the CV joint and helps ensure proper lubrication. CV joints allow for a range of motion while keeping your vehicle’s wheels moving at the same speeds over all types of surfaces.
- Approximate Service Time: 120 minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind Driveshaft Balance Services at Total Roadside Services
The driveshaft, which is located between your vehicle’s differentials, is responsible for transferring torque and rotation to the drive wheels and other drivetrain components. The driveshaft is tubular with an outer metal housing and an inner metal cylinder that spins at a rotational force determined by engine output. Essentially, the driveshaft tells the wheels to switch from idle to drive. Designed to endure sheer stress and torsion, driveshafts apply forces of motion without adding additional weight or stress to other drivetrain components. Driveshaft components like CV joints, U-joints, and yokes accommodate axial movement and allow for variation in driveline angles and distances between components. Like tires, your driveshaft should be balanced to promote safe operation and prevent failure. We invite you to give us a call or visit when you’re ready to balance your driveshaft.
- Approximate Service Time: 60 minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind U-Joint Replacement Services at Total Roadside Services
Universal joints, often referred to as u-joints, are flexible couplings that serve an important role on your vehicle. One of the primary duties of a u-joint is to transmit the rotational force between the transmission, the driveshaft, and the differentials, which are responsible for turning your vehicle’s drive wheels. As a critical linking component, a u-joint should be flexible enough to compensate for angle and alignment changes between the driveshaft and differentials. U-joints consist of four legs, or trunnions, that extend from the center cross, or body. The legs are covered with bearing caps and are housed within the yoke, which is designed to pivot and spin as they rotate with the driveshaft. Although many original equipment u-joints are sealed, some aftermarket u-joints are greasable and should be lubricated periodically. Understanding the type of u-joints on your vehicle will help you determine the proper maintenance intervals and decide when a u-joint should be replaced.
- Approximate Service Time: 60 minutes
- Price Range: Get Quote for Price
The Basics Behind Yoke Replacement Services at Total Roadside Services
Driveshaft yokes are located on the ends of the driveshaft. In most configurations, one yoke connects to the rear of the vehicle while the other yoke reaches into the transmission. The driveshaft sends power from the transmission and turns the differential, which moves the wheels. These connecting components help transfer your vehicle’s rotational energy from the transmission to the moving wheels. Many driveshafts are designed with a slip yoke at one end and an end yoke at the other end. The slip yoke allows for the length of the driveshaft to change with the motion of the suspension system as it reacts to the forces of the road. At the same time, the u-joints allow for changes in angle between the differential and the transmission. These components are designed to be flexible in order to maintain constant speeds and rotational forces between elements of your vehicle’s axle assembly.
