You Should Know This About Your Car CV Shaft
Constant velocity or CV shafts help transmit the power to the wheels and are found in front, rear, and four-wheel-drive cars. Without this part, the vehicle will not move an inch. A damaged CV shaft can even cause accidents if it fails. Therefore it is necessary to choose the best constant velocity shafts for your car. This quick guide will ease your CV shaft buying process and also help you make the right decision.
- How Does a CV Axle Work?
2. What Are The Types Of CV Shafts?
- Tripod Joints And Ball-Type Joints
- Rzeppa Joints
- Inboard / Outboard Joints
- Fixed / Plunge Joints
- Fixed Tripod Joints
3. What Are The Factors I Should Consider Before Buying A New CV Shaft?
- Warranty
- Repair Kit Or Complete Assembly
- Choosing A Brand
- Checking For Fitment And Leakage
- Extra Components
- Length Of CV Shaft
4. Which Popular Brand Of CV Shaft Should I Choose?
5. How Much Should I Pay For A New CV Shaft?
6. When Should I Change My CV Shaft?
7. Can I Save My CV Shaft By Replacing Only The Broken Boot?
1 What Is A CV Shaft?
Axle shafts are occasionally known as half shafts or CV axles. Constant velocity or CV shafts are used to connect the vehicle’s transmission to the wheels. The transmission rotates the shafts, which causes the wheels to turn and allows the car to move. A CV shaft has two CV joints connected at its end. The inner joint connects the transmission to the axle, and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheel. CV joints are part of the CV shaft and are fitted on front-wheel drive vehicles, and are also used in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Every CV shaft has splines in which CV joints are fitted. The CV joints move with the vehicle’s suspension in any direction and can keep the drive wheels moving at a constant velocity. The CV joint can transmit even levels of torque to the wheels continually at any angle.
How Does a CV Axle Work?
A CV axle or a constant velocity axle is a component of a vehicle’s drivetrain that transfers power from the engine to the wheels while allowing them to move independently of each other. The CV axle consists of two joints – the inboard and the outboard joint. The inner CV joint rotates at the same speed as the transmission, while the outer CV joint rotates at a slightly different speed as dictated by the wheel’s movement. The main advantage of the CV axle is that it allows for a very high degree of articulation, while still rotating its input and output shafts at the same speed. This is ideal for the front wheels which move up and down with the suspension, and turn sideways to steer. The inner CV joint consists of a sliding tripod housing that allows the axle to extend or contract. Inside, a carrier with needle bearings holds 3 rollers that allow for a small degree of swing. The carrier looks like a fidget spinner. The outer CV joint does not telescope, however it has a very large degree of articulation, which is needed near the steering axis. It consists of an inner bearing race, a carrier, and the outer race or housing. The bearings are allowed to pivot about the central axis, but cannot rotate – allowing for constant rotation to be transferred from the input to output. The CV axle is typically used on the front of FWD or AWD cars on vehicles with independent suspension.
Top Picks For CV Shafts
2 What Are The Types Of CV Shafts?
Many people think of all the constant velocity shafts to be the same, but there are few changes that are found in vehicles. Each type of constant velocity shaft has a different CV joint that works well for specific types of vehicles. Some CV joints are;
Tripod Joints And Ball-Type Joints
Plunge joints can be tripod joints or ball-type joints. As a tripod, it features a spider with three trunnions, which is a spherical roller component attached to a needle bearing. Tripods are mostly used in front-wheel drive vehicles as inner plunge joints, while the ball-type joints have double offset or cross groove style.
Rzeppa Joints
Rzeppa is a frequently used outer constant-velocity joint in vehicles. It consists of 6 spherical balls that sit in grooves and are sandwiched between two races. This construction allows the joint to transmit torque at many different angles and lengths. An advantage of this type of CV joint is that there is more articulation that is allowed both angular and linear. This CV joint was the first one to be invented in 1920 by an engineer named Alfred H. Rzeppa and has been in use since then.
Inboard / Outboard Joints
In the front-wheel-drive vehicles, there are shafts with two constant-velocity joints on each side, namely inner and outer constant-velocity joints. An inner constant-velocity joint is near the transaxle and an outer constant-velocity joint is near the wheel. But, with a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the inboard joint is near the differential and the outboard one is closer to the wheel.
Fixed / Plunge Joints
Front-wheel drive vehicles have an inboard joint known as a plunge joint and an outboard joint called a fixed joint. Most of the work is done by fixed joints as it helps maneuver around angles while steering the wheel, while plunge joints come to most use in rear-wheel drive. In vehicles as in an independent rear-wheel suspension, there is one plunge joint for each axle shaft.
Fixed Tripod Joints
In certain front-wheel drive vehicles, there are fixed tripod joints. In this, the trunnion is mounted on the joint’s outer housing. In the input shaft, there are three different roller bearings that are turning against it. These joints are locked and kept together in a place by a steel spider.
3 What Are The Factors I Should Consider Before Buying A New CV Shaft?
Warranty
Always consider the warranty as there are many better brands that offer better warranties. Depending on the brands, there are wide variations. The warranty can vary from one year to about 60000 miles. So, balance the budget with the best possible protection level.
Repair Kit Or Complete Assembly
Replacing a CV shaft can come with options and can be wallet-friendly. Depending on the condition of the CV shaft assembly, the mechanic can give you an option between changing the complete CV assembly or replacing the CV shaft or the CV joints. If only the CV boot is damaged and the condition is not worse, replacing the boot can be the cheapest. A CV repair kit has important parts such as grease, CV boot, CV clamps, and may have a CV joint.
Choosing A Brand
CV shafts are critical parts of the vehicle’s driveline system, so it doesn’t make sense to take chances with lower-quality parts. Don’t go for the cheapest parts if you are not sure about the brand. When it comes to CV shafts, the price can be a good indicator of quality. OEMs can be the best because they are engineered for maximum strength in your specific vehicle. Some aftermarket brands which are mentioned below match the fit and performance of the OEM parts, and some even provide extra features and benefits.
Checking For Fitment And Leakage
Replacing a CV shaft or the CV joints can be a tough job. If not paid attention there are more chances of slipping tools into the CV boot and puncturing it, which can later cause more damage to the boot that can allow all the grease to be thrown out, making the CV shaft and the CV joint run dry, hence damaging the complete assembly. There could be heavy transmission oil leakage from the transmission oil seal if the CV shaft assembly is not properly inserted into the transmission.
Extra Components
In front-wheel drive vehicles, one of the CV shafts is longer and can need extra support. For this, there is a hanger bearing attached to the CV shaft, which is then attached to the vehicle’s body or on the engine with other required parts. For this, the customer should always look for a shaft with the same components. Buying a shaft without a hanger bearing could cause excess vibration while driving. Make sure you are buying all the necessary components for a swift and easy replacement job.
Length Of CV Shaft
In front-wheel drive vehicles, the length of the shafts is different. This is due to the placement of the transmission, If the engine is horizontally fitted, the right side CV shaft is always bigger than the left side. This is because on the left side the distance between the wheel and the transmission is less thus the length of the left side CV shaft is less. Buying a wrong side shaft will not fit on the vehicle and will consume more time in returning the wrong part and getting the right part. So it is necessary to see which side of the CV shaft has to be replaced.
4 Which Popular Brand Of CV Shaft Should I Choose?
Worldparts CV Shafts
Worldparts set a benchmark as an automotive distributor in terms of excellence, efficiency, and premium quality of its products. Aiming to offer the installers a simple and complete solution, their teams of experts continuously thrive in giving an exclusive range of high-quality products with premium features and benefits at an affordable price. Their products are adaptable for many domestic and foreign-registered vehicles.
New CV Shaft Part Numbers: 139256C, 139226, 169095, 239137, 189071, 329233, and more.
Features
- ABS- consolidated axles being assembled with correct ABS tone ring (wherever required)
- Threads and splines are precisely rolled.
- Solid steel center-shafts are heat-treated and precision machined.
- Premium-quality neoprene dust boots and stainless steel boot clamps are used in assembling.
- Races, bearings, and machine ground cages are heat-treated.
- Uses spring steel keeping clips of high-strength (wherever required).
- Includes all hardware attachments and grease (wherever required).
- Comes with new dust rings and guards (wherever required).
- High-quality heat-treated steel of accurate build.
- Boots and grease of high-quality service as an extension to service life.
- Comes in a ready install kit with all axles, new ABS rings (wherever required), and axle nuts.
- Quick and smooth installation because of precisely rolled threads and splines.
- Made with accuracy and precision to match the original specifications of your vehicle’s requirement.
CV Shaft Assembly RHS Part Numbers: 309020, 299001, 249151, 169147, 179206, 249145, and more.
Features
- ABS- consolidated axles being assembled with correct ABS tone ring (wherever required)
- Threads and splines are precisely rolled.
- Solid steel center-shafts are heat-treated and precision machined.
- Premium-quality neoprene dust boots and stainless steel boot clamps are used in assembling.
- Races, bearings, and machine ground cages are heat-treated.
- Uses spring steel keeping clips of high-strength (wherever required).
- Includes all hardware attachments and grease (wherever required).
- Comes with new dust rings and guards (wherever required).
- High-quality heat-treated steel of accurate build.
- Boots and grease of high-quality service as an extension to service life.
- Comes in a ready install kit with all axles, new ABS rings (wherever required), and axle nuts.
- Quick and smooth installation because of precisely rolled threads and splines.
- Made with accuracy and precision to match the original specifications of your vehicle’s requirement.
CV Shaft Assembly LHS Part Numbers: 199024, 139119, 169133, 139226, 189071, 329168, and more.
Features
- ABS- consolidated axles being assembled with correct ABS tone ring (wherever required)
- Threads and splines are precisely rolled.
- Solid steel center-shafts are heat-treated and precision machined.
- Premium-quality neoprene dust boots and stainless steel boot clamps are used in assembling.
- Races, bearings, and machine ground cages are heat-treated.
- Uses spring steel keeping clips of high-strength (wherever required).
- Includes all hardware attachments and grease (wherever required).
- Comes with new dust rings and guards (wherever required).
- High-quality heat-treated steel of accurate build.
- Boots and grease of high-quality service as an extension to service life.
- Comes in a ready install kit with all axles, new ABS rings (wherever required), and axle nuts.
- Quick and smooth installation because of precisely rolled threads and splines.
- Made with accuracy and precision to match the original specifications of your vehicle’s requirement.
CV Intermediate Shaft Part Numbers: 199501, 169504, 169502, 139509, 169501, and more.
Features
- ABS- consolidated axles being assembled with correct ABS tone ring (wherever required)
- Threads and splines are precisely rolled.
- Solid steel center-shafts are heat-treated and precision machined.
- Premium-quality neoprene dust boots and stainless steel boot clamps are used in assembling.
- Races, bearings, and machine ground cages are heat-treated.
- Uses spring steel keeping clips of high-strength (wherever required).
- Includes all hardware attachments and grease (wherever required).
- Comes with new dust rings and guards (wherever required).
- High-quality heat-treated steel of accurate build.
- Boots and grease of high-quality service as an extension to service life.
- Comes in a ready install kit with all axles, new ABS rings (wherever required), and axle nuts.
- Quick and smooth installation because of precisely rolled threads and splines.
- Made with accuracy and precision to match the original specifications of your vehicle’s requirement.
For more information and detailed product lines, visit the Worldparts CV Shafts section.
Cardone Industries CV Shafts
Cardone Industries gives technicians the edge by innovating every CV shaft and its related component. Cardone Industries engineers focus on making their parts faster and easier to install and engineer them to provide a longer service life. Using punishing durability testing, they validate the CV shaft and its assembly to ensure you get the performance you can trust.
CV Shaft Assembly RHS Part Numbers: 66-1009, 66-3404HD, 66-1325HD, 66-3408HD, 66-1345, 66-1009HD, and more.
Features
- CV boots are fitted with pneumatic tools which create a perfect seal between the boot and housing.
- To extend the CV joint’s life high-quality grease is used which can withstand high temperature and pressure.
- To avoid any vibrations, every CV shaft is 100% inspected for run out.
- For proper and easy fitment, all CV shafts are measured.
- Every CV shaft comes with a new retaining nut, for this thread is chased 100% to ensure proper fit.
- To fit the CV shaft in the mating hub and transmission splines are chased 100% to ensure proper fit which eliminates installation hassles.
- Cracking leads to boot failure, to avoid this, 100% neoprene boots are used which are excellent environmental stress-resistant.
CV Shaft Assembly LHS Part Numbers: 66-1009, 66-3404HD, 66-1325HD, 66-3408HD, 66-1345, 66-1009HD, and more.
Features
- CV boots are fitted with pneumatic tools which create a perfect seal between the boot and housing.
- To extend the CV joint’s life, high-quality grease is used which can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
- To avoid any vibrations, every CV shaft is 100% inspected for runout.
- For proper and easy fitment, all CV shafts are measured.
- Every CV shaft comes with a new retaining nut, for this thread is chased 100% to ensure proper fit.
- To fit the CV shaft in the mating hub and transmission splines are chased 100% to ensure proper fit which eliminates installation hassles.
- Cracking leads to boot failure, to avoid this100% neoprene boots are used which are excellent environmental stress-resistant.
CV Intermediate Shaft Part Numbers: 66-3991IS, 66-3992IS, 66-2905IS, 66-6246IS, 66-2902IS and more.
Features
- CV boots are fitted with pneumatic tools which create a perfect seal between the boot and housing.
- To extend the CV joint’s life, high-quality grease is used which can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
- To avoid any vibrations, every CV shaft is 100% inspected for runout.
- For proper and easy fitment, all CV shafts are measured.
- Every CV shaft comes with a new retaining nut, for this thread is chased 100% to ensure proper fit.
- To fit the CV shaft in the mating hub and transmission splines are chased 100% to ensure proper fit which eliminates installation hassles.
- Cracking leads to boot failure, to avoid this, 100% neoprene boots are used which are excellent environmental stress-resistant.
For more information and detailed product lines, visit Cardone Industries CV Shaft section.
Dorman (OE Solutions) CV Shafts
The Dorman (OE Solutions) produces parts that meet or exceed OEM standards while providing additional benefits to make sure that the product lasts longer and performs better so you can drive the vehicle with confidence. The CV shaft is pre-balanced and ready to install with 100% new components. Using punishing durability testing, they check every new component to ensure you get better performance you can trust.
CV Joint Repair Kit Part Numbers: 932-106, 932-107, 932-304, 932-102, 932-205, 932-100, and more.
Features
- For dependable fit and performance, the CV shaft is made to the original equipment dimensions.
- There is no charge or return hassle because the CV shaft assembly is 100% made from all new components.
- To make installation quick and simple, the CV shafts are pre-balanced, which makes them ready to install type.
- These CV shafts have CV joints that are designed for future serviceability.
For more information and detailed product lines, visit the Dorman CV Shaft section.
5 How Much Should I Pay For A New CV Shaft?
Once you have completed the inspections and are sure that you need to replace your CV shaft, there are two options for the replacement of the CV shaft. The first one is replacing only the CV shaft and using the old CV joint, which will cost you between $70 to $90, and the labor would cost around $140. The other option is replacing the complete CV shaft assembly. This would be expensive, and a single shaft assembly will cost you around $180 to $240. The labor will be approximately the same. Prices ranges are different and also vary from one brand to the other.
6 When Should I Change My CV Shaft?
There are many indications that tell us about the issue with CV joints/shafts and when to repair it. While driving, a clicking or clunking noise from a faulty axle shows a sign for replacement. Vibration while accelerating the vehicle also shows an issue either with the CV shaft or with the CV joint depending on the car’s layout. Before replacing the CV shaft, always look for the following:
Damaged CV Boots
A Problematic damaged CV boot allows you some time to drive before getting the issue sorted. But the long drive with a damaged boot contaminates the CV joint and the grooves of the shaft with dirt and grime and causes wear between the shaft and the CV joint. Early intervention helps in saving you some money by only getting the boot replacement done and not the entire CV shaft. During a timely car inspection, mechanics always check CV boots and also look out for any damage signs.
Clicking, Popping Or Clunking Noises
The clicking, clunking, or popping noise from front wheels, especially while turning, shows irreparable damage to the CV shaft assembly where replacement is the only solution. A damaged CV shaft allows you to drive a little but it might not be a safe operation in a long run depending on the factors like where you drive, the amount of dirt or dust in the area, and the quantity of water that gets into the joint, and many more.
CV Joint Failure
The worst situation in a CV shaft assembly is the failure of CV joints, which can even break your car’s CV shaft that won’t move at all. This situation becomes quite serious while driving as it leads to a total loss of control. So maintain safe driving conditions, check CV joints and if you find a fault, then fix it at its earliest. The complete failure of this critical component results in a severe and unsafe situation.
CV Shaft Replacement
A CV shaft has to be replaced in case of excessive wear or damage in an accident causing the shaft to bend. In front-wheel drive vehicles, one of the CV shafts is longer and can also have a hanger bearing. If the hanger bearing creates noise due to wear, it cannot be replaced separately, for this, the complete CV shaft has to be replaced.
7 Can I Save My CV Shaft By Replacing Only The Broken Boot?
If there is a minor cut on the CV boot that has been detected earlier and the grease inside it hasn’t fully leaked out, you can surely save the CV shaft by replacing only the damaged boot. With a damaged boot you can see the grease thrown all over inside the wheel area and some grease spots on the wheel rim too. This solution can be cheap but sometimes will cost more on labor as the complete shaft has to be removed. There are some aftermarket CV boots that can be fitted without removing the complete CV shaft, but only one side of it. These aftermarket boots are known as stretch CV boots.
Worldparts CV Shafts – Part Number Catalog
| Category | Part Numbers |
| New CV Shaft | 139256, 179228, 139119, 179228C, 179026C, 179026, 329205, 169133, 189072, 179033, 139233, 239504, |
| CV Shafts Assembly RHS | 179026, 329205, 189072, 179033, 139113, 139233, 239137, 169095, 329233, 179034, 219041, 189143, |
| CV Shafts Assembly LHS | 179228, 259031, 249152, 299047, 139110, 139232, 139080, 219025, 179115, 169123, 329204, 249148, 329234 |
| CV Intermediate Shafts | 139508, 239504, 139511, 139507, 239505, 169503, |
Cardone Industries CV Shafts – Part Number Catalog
| Category | Part Numbers |
| CV Shafts Assembly RHS | 66-3639, 66-4207, 66-3721, 66-4251, 66-4225, 66-8173, 66-3552, 66-7355, 66-1556HD, 66-1325, 66-1243, 66-1376, |
| CV Shafts Assembly LHS | 66-2143, 66-2188, 66-5228, 66-6285, 66-4217, 66-6262, 66-4221, 66-7355, 66-1556HD, 66-1325, 66-1243, 66-1376 |
| CV Intermediate Shafts | 66-3990IS, 66-3993IS, 66-2901IS, 66-2195IS, 66-3994IS, 66-2900IS, 66-2904IS, 66-2903IS, |
