What is a CV Axle?
The CV Axle is a vital part of your vehicle emissions control system. Its job is to reduce toxic air by converting harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions, such as water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
How Does a CV Axle Work?
CV axles are used in a variety of different configurations. For example, in the case of a front wheel drive car specifically, these cylindrical shafts connect the car’s transmission to the road wheels. At the end of each axle shaft are CV joints that are crucial in helping to deliver power, while the vehicle is going around corners or traveling over an uneven surface. If it weren’t for these joints, the axle would not be able to mesh with the internal components of the transmission in most cases and as such, no drive would be transmitted.
To put it another way, this system allows the axle to change its length as it moves constantly in a variety of different directions, although it’s less complicated for a vehicle with rear wheel drive, as the axle only has to account for varying surfaces and not changes in direction. In some cases, these axles are found in the driveline, as well.
How Is a CV Axle Made?
Since CV axles put up with constantly variable road conditions and torque forces, high tensile steel is typically used for their construction. They are also induction heat-treated to make sure that the splines do not twist and fail under pressure.
How Does a CV Axle Fail?
- Splines may wear out
- Joints may become loose
- Joints may fail altogether
What Are the Symptoms of Failure?
- Vibration through the steering wheel
- Grease on the floor beneath or on the inside of the tire
- Repetitive noises from the side with the problem, when the vehicle is turning
What Are the Consequences of Failure?
- Loss of drive