Constant Velocity (CV) axles are an integral part of a vehicle’s drivetrain. They help transfer engine power to the drive wheels, allowing your car to move.
A properly installed and maintained axle will last up to 100K miles. However, like any other car component, axles can develop issues over time and cause performance problems. One of the most common issues with CV axles is the failure to seat into place.
Identifying such an issue with the axles can be tricky unless you know the symptoms. Luckily, this article provides CV axle not seated properly symptoms. I’ll also include CV axle installation tips to prevent this problem from recurring.
Question: Symptoms of CV Axle Not Seated Properly
Below are the tell-tale signs your CV axle isn’t seated correctly.
- Existence of a gap
- Vibrations while driving
- Unusual noises under the car
- Car handling issues
- Grease leakage
- Wheel wobbling
Existence of a Gap
A common symptom of an improperly seated CV axle is the existence of a tiny gap. In this case, you must examine the axles underneath the car. Pay attention to the connection between the wheel hub and the outer/external CV joint.
If you notice a gap, usually a few inches, between these two parts, you have an improperly seated CV axle. A wrong CV axle or improper installation could be to blame when this happens. Replacing it with an aftermarket axle that’s too long will also leave a noticeable gap.
A misaligned or incorrectly installed axle may cause the outer joint to pop out of the transmission, creating a gap.
Vibrations While Driving
Several issues with the CV axle can cause excessive vibrations while driving. Many drivers have reported that bad CV axles cause their cars to vibrate when accelerating. These vibrations are also evident when braking or releasing the brake to negotiate a corner.
You’ll likely feel these vibrations on the steering wheel or your floorboard.
Misaligned, worn, or damaged axles will cause unsettling tremors, especially at higher speeds. As mentioned above, a misaligned or incorrectly installed axle can cause the joint to pop out of its place. This issue affects the axle’s balance during wheel rotation, leading to vibrations.
Also, a CV joint that’s not appropriately seated wears out or gets damaged over time. Worn-out or damaged axles will contribute to the vehicle’s shaking or vibrations.
Unusual Noises Under the Car
Most CV axle not seated properly symptoms occur when accelerating or taking sharper turns. Sometimes, the improperly seated axle will move back and forth while accelerating, causing clunking or knocking noises. This happens when the outer CV joint hits the wheel hub while driving. An improperly seated CV joint may also cause clunking noises when reversing.
Examine the axles to determine the cause if you hear these unusual noises. Knocking noises may also result from a worn inner CV joint or differential gears.
Besides clunking or knocking sounds, you may hear clicking or popping sounds when turning. This strange noise is noticeable when making sharp turns around corners. You’ll hear this noise from the vehicle’s side with a problematic CV axle.
Clicking or popping sounds occur when the outer CV joints become unstable. Your car can also make these noises if it has worn-out or broken CV joints. Other components under the car or in the engine compartment may also make these strange noises.
So, how should you know if the clicking or popping noise originates from an improperly seated axle? Drive your car forward or reverse in circles. You must ensure the area around you is flat and clear. A wrongly seated CV axle will cause popping or clicking sounds as you drive in circles.
Car Handling Poorly
Another symptom of a CV axle that’s not seated properly is the car handling poorly. Several other issues, like underinflated or worn tires, incorrect wheel alignment, and an overloaded vehicle, can cause car handling problems.
If the CV axle is to blame, you’ll experience difficulty steering, especially when rounding corners. Handling issues makes it difficult to steer the car in sharp corners, which can lead to an accident. Aside from difficulties steering your vehicle, you may also notice decreased aerodynamic efficiency.
Grease Leakage
If your car has an improperly seated axle, you may notice grease flowing on the tire edges or around the axles.
The CV axle, joint, and boot work in harmony to ensure smooth transmission of power to the wheels. You might have a torn or damaged CV boot, causing the grease leakage. This component holds grease for lubricating the CV joint.
If the axle is not seated correctly, it may cause damage to the CV boot, leading to grease leakage. With time, insufficient lubricant will cause more damage to the CV joints, resulting in reduced performance.
Wheel Wobbling
The CV axle must seat on the wheel hub properly to ensure the wheel rotates while driving. Contrary to this, the affected wheel will play excessively or wobble while driving. This wobbling will cause uncomfortable rides or safety problems.
Answer: What to Do if Your Car Has an Improperly Seated CV Axle
If you notice some of these CV axle not seated properly symptoms while driving, pull over to a safe place. You can look for a leveled space on the side of the road. Remember that driving the car further can cause more damage to the axles and joints.
After pulling over, jack up your car and inspect the CV axles. You’ll need to check for a noticeable gap between the axles and wheel hubs. You can also check if there’s a leakage from the CV boot.
If you find an improperly seated CV axle, seat it correctly or call a tow truck for help. As a DIY enthusiast determined to fix this issue, you can seat the old axle properly or install a new one.
Before undertaking this project, ensure you have the following tools:
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket and ratchet set
- Rubber mallet
When seating the old axle into place, jack up the car and use the jack stands to hold it in place. Then, use the right socket or ratchet to remove the wheels’ lug nuts. Use your rubber mallet to tap the axle until it gets back into place. Lastly, reinstall the wheel and test the car.
If your ride has a worn or incorrect CV axle, install a new one. These tips will help you get the job done:
- Look for a CV axle that matches the original unit.
- Handle the axles with care to avoid damaging the ABS sensors.
- Check for other issues around the axles to prevent this problem from recurring.
- Replace the transmission fluid if it appears discolored.
- Always use a torque wrench to torque the spindle nut.
Wrapping Up
We’ve covered the most common CV axle not seated properly symptoms your car might have. If you encounter such symptoms, stop the vehicle and inspect the axles. You’ll need to look for an axle with a noticeable gap between the CV joint and the wheel hub.
If seating the old axle into place doesn’t help, you can replace it with a new axle. Ensure the new axle matches the original unit from the manufacturer.