The Hidden Danger: How a Broken CV Axle Could Cause Transmission Problems

A CV axle can be an important element in your motor of your vehicle. It is the part that is connected to your differential that in turn, transmits power to the wheels. If this axle fails it can lead to serious problems for your transmission.

Is a damaged CV axle going to affect your transmission?

Yes you can. When the CV axle is broken and causes the driveshaft to be off-center in the differential, power will not be delivered to the wheels in a proper manner.

A damaged CV axle can cause damage to your vehicle’s transmission and that’s why it’s important to repair it in the earliest time possible. A CV joint also known as it’s called the constant velocity joint that connects the driveshaft with the differential carriers, is equipped with an internal bearing that relies on grease to lubricate. If that bearing gets dry, it will create sounds and begin to wear more quickly than normal, and could cause transmission damage in a variety of ways.

What happens if the CV axle fails?

In the first place If there isn’t any tension applied to the driveshaft it won’t be capable of driving the wheels that are connected to it. That means you will not be able to propel your vehicle except for an automatic transmission so that you can drive your car with the push of a gas pedal.

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In addition, if an CV axle fails, it can cause the driveshaft to flex and even slide out of the diff carrier this isn’t ideal for any transmission since it won’t be able to transfer power to your drivetrain as efficiently as it did before.

What can I do to tell whether your CV axle has gone damaged?

If the CV axle is bad, you’ll be able to feel the the vibrations and may even be able to tell that your vehicle is not operating smoothly. If the vibrations get too severe it means that the axle has been completely broken in two that can cause energy to go through the transmission, which can cause it to grind or slide when gears shift.

How difficult is it to change the CV joint?

As you are aware the CV joint or constant velocity joint joins the driveshaft with the differential bearing. The bearing inside must be greased to ensure that it does not be worn out and there’ll no sound coming from it. It is evident that when a CV axle fails, then you’ll need to replace it all and not only the driveshaft. The replacement of an axle that is CV-related is not easy and requires you to utilize ramps for cars or jack stands, so that you are able to get underneath the vehicle without difficulty.

Additionally, you will need the most basic tools for hand, like a ratchet set as well as a torque wrench and socket wrenches. Also, you must ensure that all your drain plugs are removed prior to beginning your work, as they can break while you are taking off your CV axle.

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Once you have jacked up your vehicle and set it up on the ramps for cars, remove the wheel covers or hubs , so that you can take off the wheels without difficulty. You’ll find an interlocking member between your tires. This is what must be removed before moving on to removing any bolts that hold the differential carrier to the transmission.

After the differential carrier has been taken removed, you’ll be able to be able to see the CV joint as well as driveshaft. It is necessary to disconnect the drive shaft from the axle either loosening or removing the bolts connecting them. Be sure to remember this step or else the new piece will not fit correctly!

Do you need to change both CV axles simultaneously?

A CV axle isn’t something that is replaced quickly. If one of them fails, then you’ll have to replace both in order to repair your vehicle. It’s typically cheaper to replace both of them at the same time rather than perform one at a.

What do the sounds of an unsounding CV joint like?

If you notice the sound of a clicking or popping sound emanating out of the rear end of your car there is a chance that you’ve got a defective CV joint. It is also possible that your vehicle isn’t operating as smooth as it should and this could be due to the condition that CV joint.

How long is it possible to drive with the CV joint that is damaged?

If you’ve got a damaged CV axle and you’re thinking about how long you can drive it for before it affects the transmission, it is dependent on. In the worst case scenario, the car won’t move in the event that there’s no tension placed on the driveshaft. However, this isn’t likely in the case of an auto-transmission.

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There is also the possibility that the driveshaft may be bent or fall out of alignment within the differential carrier, which isn’t a good idea for any transmission. You’ll notice some vibrations and realize that your car might not be operating smoothly If the CV axle is damaged badly damaged, or even worse it will break completely with two parts and power is transferred into the transmission, making grinding or slipping sounds when gears shift.

Causes of transmission problems after CV joint replacement

What is the distinction in between bad CV joints and poor wheel bearings?

One way to identify the difference between defective CV joints and poor wheel bearings is to measure the level of noise. A poor CV joint can be squealing as you rotate the wheel but a defective wheel bearing can produce an eerie sound.

Another method of determining the difference is to observe which one, the inside or outside, is more recent. On the inside, the joint that is connected to the top of your axle is usually shiny and new, whereas the outer tires treads are likely to be older than the inner surface.

Conclusion

Is it possible for a damaged CV axle to affect your transmission? Yes, it can. CV axles aren’t something that can be readily replaced, therefore it is crucial to recognize the indications of a damaged CV axle. If your car becomes difficult to drive or if you hear strange noises from the front and the rear end, it could be time to replace your CV axles for the four wheel. The positive side is that replacing the damaged joint on your CV isn’t costly and most auto dealerships offer this service for no charge if they’re making other repairs in the same. There are a lot of tutorials and videos online on how to repair the joint yourself.

Reference

Discover the indications of a malfunctioning CV joint

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