Have you ever been driving and heard a clicking or felt a shudder under your feet while making a turn? If so, the culprit could be a bad CV joint. CV stands for constant velocity, and these joints are essential in front and all-wheel-drive vehicles. They transfer power from the transmission to the wheels, flexing with suspension movement and steering angles to keep the ride smooth. In short, they keep your wheels turning.
Each CV axle has two joints: an inner one near the transmission and an outer one near the wheel. These joints are packed with grease and protected by rubber boots. When those boots crack or tear, the grease escapes, contaminants get in, and the joint starts to wear out.
Driving around on a damaged CV joint can eventually lead to complete failure of the axle and cause any number of other problems. But can it destroy your transmission? The answer is without a doubt, yes. At least eventually.
The domino effect
The first issue a problem CV joint can cause is vibrations, especially during acceleration or turning. These vibrations can extend beyond the axle, potentially affecting the transmission by causing undue stress on its components and unbalanced power delivery to the wheels. This imbalance forces the transmission to compensate, which can result in increased wear and tear on transmission components over time.
A damaged CV joint can also throw off the alignment between the drivetrain and transmission, placing extra strain on internal components. Over time, this misalignment may lead to irregular wear, gear engagement issues, or, in severe cases, serious transmission damage.
If you think a worn or damaged CV joint is a problem you can ignore for a while, like putting off an oil change, which we wouldn’t suggest, you could be making a serious mistake. If a CV joint fails completely, it can no longer transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. This sudden loss of power transfer can cause huge strain on the transmission, especially if it happens while you’re doing 70 on the highway.
Watch out for warning signs
Early detection is key to catching a failing CV joint before it causes major transmission issues. One of the most common warning signs is a clicking or popping noise when turning, which usually points to a worn outer CV joint. You might also notice grease splattered along the inside edge of your tires, a telltale sign of a torn CV boot that’s allowing contaminants into the joint.
Vibrations during acceleration can also indicate trouble with the inner joint, and clunking sounds during acceleration or deceleration may signal that the inner joint is already failing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified, trustworthy mechanic as soon as possible to avoid more costly damage.
While a bad CV joint might start as a minor annoyance, ignoring it can lead to significant transmission damage and a hefty repair bill. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent CV joint issues from escalating. If you suspect a problem, address it sooner rather than later to keep your ride smooth and your transmission intact.