CV Joint Noise: How to Tell If Your Axle Is About to Quit
NaTasha Brand • August 5, 2025
(And What to Do About It)
Your car’s CV (constant velocity) joints are like the unsung heroes of your drivetrain—working hard every time you turn or accelerate, yet completely forgotten until they start clicking, clunking, or spewing grease all over your undercarriage.
Here in San Angelo, Texas, where potholes and dirt roads test every suspension component, failing CV joints are a common culprit behind strange noises and vibrations. At Ric Henry’s Auto Service, we’ve replaced more axles than we can count—and we know exactly how to spot (and fix) a failing CV joint before it leaves you stranded.
What Is a CV Joint? (And Why Should You Care?)
A CV joint is a flexible coupling that connects your transmission to your wheels, allowing power to transfer smoothly even while turning or going over bumps. There are two types in most vehicles:
1. Outer CV joint – Connects to the wheel hub
2. Inner CV joint – Connects to the transmission or differential
They’re packed with grease and sealed inside a rubber boot—but once that boot cracks, dirt gets in, grease leaks out, and trouble begins.
Symptoms of a Failing CV Joint
1. The Classic "Clicking on Turns"
• A rhythmic click-click-click when turning (especially at low speeds)
• Means the joint’s bearings are worn out
2. Grease Everywhere (Torn Boot)
• A busted boot flings grease onto your wheel, brakes, or undercarriage
• Once the grease is gone, the joint fails fast
3. Vibration Under Acceleration
• Feels like a shudder or wobble when you press the gas
• Often mistaken for wheel balance issues
4. Loud "Clunking" When Shifting
• A heavy CLUNK when switching from Drive to Reverse (or vice versa)
• Means the joint has excessive play
5. Steering Wheel Wobble
• If the CV joint is severely worn, it can cause instability
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore CV Joint Noise
🚨 Safety Risk – A completely failed CV joint can separate, leaving you unable to move.
💰 Costly Domino Effect – A bad axle can damage:
• Wheel bearings
• Transmission seals
• Brake components
How Ric Henry’s Auto Service Fixes CV Joints the Right Way
We don’t just slap in a cheap aftermarket axle and call it a day. Our process includes:
🔧 OEM-quality or premium remanufactured axles (no bargain-bin parts)
🔧 Proper boot sealing & greasing (so it lasts)
🔧 Post-repair inspection (checking alignment & drivetrain stress)
🔧 3-year/36,000-mile warranty – because we stand behind our work
Don’t Wait Until Your CV Joint Sounds Like a Maraca
If your car’s making clicking, clunking, or vibrating noises, bring it to Ric Henry’s Auto Service before you’re stuck on the side of US-67 with a busted axle.
After all, the only "joint" you should ignore is the one playing classic rock on the radio.
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