If your vehicle is front-wheel drive (or many AWD vehicles), it uses CV axles (constant velocity axles) to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing the suspension and steering to move. CV axles are built to handle changing angles—but when a CV joint wears out or the CV boot tears, problems show up quickly.
If you’re hearing clicking when turning, noticing grease near a wheel, or feeling vibration during acceleration, your vehicle may be telling you it needs a CV axle inspection.
What Is a CV Axle (and What Does It Do)?
A CV axle usually has:
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An inner CV joint (closer to the transmission)
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An outer CV joint (closer to the wheel)
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A protective rubber boot filled with grease
The boot keeps grease in and dirt/water out. When the boot fails, the joint often wears out soon after.
10 Signs You May Need CV Axle or CV Joint Repair
1) Clicking or popping when turning
A classic symptom of a worn outer CV joint is a clicking sound during tight turns (like parking lots).
2) Grease splattered inside the wheel or on suspension parts
A torn CV boot can fling grease around the wheel well.
Why it matters: once grease is out and dirt gets in, the joint wears quickly.
3) Vibration during acceleration
A worn inner CV joint can cause vibration or shudder under load—often most noticeable when accelerating.
4) Clunking when shifting from Drive to Reverse
Excess play in the joint or axle can create clunks when the driveline loads/unloads.
5) Thumping or knocking at speed
As wear gets worse, the joint can make more pronounced noises that change with speed.
6) Steering feels “odd” or unstable during turns
A badly worn joint can affect smooth power delivery while turning.
7) Torn, cracked, or leaking CV boot
Even if you don’t hear noise yet, a damaged boot is a warning sign.
Tip: catching a boot issue early can sometimes prevent a full axle replacement.
8) Grinding noise near the wheel (rare, but serious)
If a joint fails badly, it can grind—this should be inspected immediately.
9) Vehicle shudders on take-off
A CV axle that’s binding or worn can create a shake as you start moving.
10) One axle looks wet/dirty compared to the other
A greasy, dirty axle area is often a clue that a boot has been leaking for a while.
What Causes CV Axles to Fail?
Common causes include:
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Boot tears from age, cold weather, or road debris
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Grease loss + contamination (dirt/water getting into the joint)
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Driving with a torn boot too long
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High mileage / normal wear
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Impacts (potholes/curbs) that damage boots or joints
Calgary winter conditions can also accelerate boot cracking over time.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Bad CV Axle?
If it’s early (minor boot crack, light clicking), it may be drivable short-term—but it usually gets worse.
If ignored, a failing CV joint can:
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Lose power transfer to the wheel
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Cause major noise and vibration
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Leave you stranded
If you have loud clicking, heavy vibration, or grease everywhere, it’s best to book an inspection soon.
CV Axle vs Wheel Bearing vs U-Joint: How They Feel Different
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CV axle: clicking on turns, vibration on acceleration, grease from torn boot
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Wheel bearing: humming/roaring that changes with speed and when turning slightly
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U-joint (RWD/4×4 driveshaft): clunks/vibration tied to driveline, usually not clicking on turns
A proper inspection avoids replacing the wrong part.
What’s Included in a CV Axle Inspection?
A correct diagnosis may include:
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Inspecting CV boots for tears/leaks
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Checking joint play and condition
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Road test for clicking/vibration
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Ruling out wheel bearing, tire balance, suspension, and mount issues
Book a CV Axle Inspection / Replacement
If you’re hearing clicking when turning or feeling vibration when accelerating, we can inspect the CV axle and confirm the cause.
Call 403-258-3030 to book an appointment.
Location:
8304 Fairmount Dr SE
Calgary, AB, T2H 0Y8
