CV Joint Shop

Before you head to a CV joint shop, you need to know if you really have a problem that needs fixing. A constant velocity joint, or CV joint, is part of the drive shaft in a car. This is the shaft that is attached to the transmission in a car at one end, and the wheel at the other end. While you drive your car, the CV joints are made to be able to bend in any direction, so it works at a constant velocity. These joints are primarily used in the drive shafts of a front wheel drive car, but can be found in rear wheel drive and four wheel drive cars as well. .

You may find yourself in need of replacing CV joints as your car ages. The rubber boot that encases the CV joint tends to deteriorate over time which means that it can crack or tear open. When this happens the CV joint is left exposed which can quickly damage the joint. You may start to hear CV joint noise which means it is time to head to the CV joint shop promptly. You should have the shop inspect the joints periodically anyhow, even if you do not believe that there is a problem. This will help you find out if the torn boots need to be replaced which can extend the life of the CV joints by years. If you do not catch the torn boots in time, you may end up replacing the entire axle.

The cost of CV joint replacement can be anywhere between $65.00 and $150 not including labor, which will run you a lot more. You can choose to go to a CV joint shop that will give you a rebuilt joint but it can still cost up to $100.00. A CV joint has a lot of precision machined components so that is what makes it so expensive. It is recommended to go with a new joint, simply because the rebuilt one may not hold up as well as the new one.

If you go to a reputable CV joint shop, the mechanic can remove a shaft in about a half hour, but still charge you a flat rate which may be somewhat expensive. This is because they have to remove the driveshaft from the car. This means that the wheel must be removed as well as a large hub nut that holds the outer end of the driveshaft in. It can be rather complicated, but still able to be done in a quick manner. Most mechanics simply charge you the flat rate because of the work, but keep the extra “commission” for themselves, which is standard practice. That doesn’t mean you should save the money and not go to a CV joint shop. Unless you know what you are doing, this can be very difficult for a novice.