The CV axle angle is one of the most important parts of the vehicle.
The CV axle is responsible for the transmission of power and torque in every vehicle.
If the CV axle is not installed correctly, it will cause the vehicle to vibrate and shake.
It will not provide the proper power for the wheels.
So you must know, how to correct the CV axle angle properly on your vehicle along with some bad symptoms of a CV axle.
In this article, we will discuss 3 symptoms of a bad CV axle and how to correct them.
What is CV Axle?
The CV Axle is the angle between the CV axle and the driveshaft.
This angle is necessary because it affects the amount of torque transferred from the engine to the wheels.
If the angle is too small, the CV angle will bind, and the engine will not be able to turn the wheels.
If the angle is too large, the CV axle will slip, and the engine will not be able to transfer all of its power to the wheels.
How to Correct CV Axle Angle [8 Simple Steps]
There are a few steps that you should follow to correct your vehicle’s CV axle angle.
The steps are-
- Perk the car on a level surface and set the brake
- Place a jack under the vehicle and raise it until the wheel is off the ground
- Remove the wheel and tire assembly
- Locate the CV axle. It is the shaft that connects the wheel to the vehicle
- Disconnect the inner CV joint using a protractor
- Measure the angle of the CV axle. It should be perpendicular to the ground
- Adjust the angle correctly of the CV joint using a wrench or socket
- Reconnect the inner CV joint to the transaxle
The angle of a CV axle can vary depending on the make and model of a vehicle.
However, a proper rule of thumb is to ensure that the CV axle is at a roughly 22 to 30-degree angle when installed in the vehicle.
How to Replace CV Axle
Some important guidelines that will help you replace your car’s CV axle yourself and save your money are given below-
- Switch emergency parking mode, jack up the driver’s side, and set a jack stand under the vehicle
- Remove the wheel, and you find the axle nuts
- Now remove the axle nuts and cotter pin; you can use a PB spray also; it makes the cotter pin and axle nut easy to remove
- To remove the axle nut, you can use a 32mm socket
- Loosen that nut, which is holding the little bracket, and then by using a screwdriver, loosen the caliper & remove it from the rotor
- Now take 17mm bolts to remove the nuts holding the caliper assembly. Before doing this, try to use something that holds the whole assembly
- Pull out the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. You can use a 17mm bolt and hammer to complete this process
- Now remove two nuts that hold the steering
- Now remove the two bolts and pull on the disassembly
- Now it is time to remove the CV joint from the transmission side
- Remove the old clamps, use some wd-40 spray to clean it properly, and add new clamps
- Try to put CV joint as straight as possible to protect from damaging seat and leak
- Now attach the steering knuckle and add bolts to it
- Now put the brake caliper back
- Put the axle nut back, tighten them properly and add a new cotter pin
- Add some transmission fluid to warm your engine
- Reinstall the wheels, and now all set, you are ready to test drive
You can watch this video for visualization for correcting you CV axle angle.
How to Look after CV Axle
Since we already know how important the CV axle is, some steps should be taken to save money and make the CV axle long-lasting.
Let’s take a look at the steps-
- Check the CV axle regularly for any cracks and damages
- If you find any wear or damage, replace the CV axle
- Used high-quality greases and greased the CV axle regularly to keep them lubricated
- Inspect the CV axle regularly for any signs of wear or damage
- If you find any wear or damage, replace the CV axle
3 Symptoms of a Bad CV Axle Angle
If you have a car with a bad axle shaft and need to know some of the symptoms of a bad CV axle angle in your car, we will cover that in this article.
The CV axle shaft can easily go bad on cars with higher miles or cars mostly driven in the city.
Let’s identify the common symptoms of a bad CV axle.
1. Clinking Clunking Noise
While driving, usually, when the axle starts to fail will make a clicking noise when turning left or right.
For example, if a vehicle is making a right turn and a clicking noise can be heard on the right side, then the right-side axle is bad.
The left axle is bad if the sound comes from the left side.
Usually, when an axle goes bad, the inboard bearing, outboard bearing, and joints inside the axle goes bad.
In most cases, the bearing permanently fails and is normally caused by a torn axle boot.
The purpose of an axle boot is to prevent grease from leaking out while allowing the grease to stay inside the boot to lube the bearing.
When the axle boot fails, contamination such as dirt, small rocks, and water can enter the axle.
This will also cause the bearing to rust and deteriorate and axle grease to leak out and attract dirt.
2. The Vehicle Will not Move Forward or Backward
The axle is responsible for moving power from the transmission to the wheels.
When the axle wears out and breaks, it will prevent the wheel from receiving transferred power from the transmission to the axle.
When one side of the axle breaks, the vehicle will start to pull in one side.
Inspect the axle, place the vehicle on the jack stand and inspect the axle boot and inside the wheel.
If the axle boot is torn, grease will leak inside the wheel.
3. Excessive Vibration While Driving
There are several reasons for vibration, but if the vehicle is excessively vibrating while increasing the speed or turning left or right, it may be a sign of a bad CV axle.
So, it is important to find out the actual reason for the vibration and treat it well.
If the CV axle is bad, it causes excessive vibration while turning left or right.
This excessive vibration makes it hard to control the vehicle.
Proper CV Axle Angle
The proper CV axle angle is 22 to 30 degrees.
It is important to ensure that the CV axle is the most important part to transfer power properly to the wheels.
The CV axle is the connection between the wheels and the transmission.
The angle of the CV axle is important because it affects the amount of power transferred from the engine to the wheels.
If the angle is too steep, the engine will not transfer enough power to the wheels, and the car will not be able to move.
If the angle is too shallow, the engine will transfer too much power to the wheels, and the car will spin out.
That is why it needs to adjust the CV axle to an ideal angle & the angle is 22 to 30 degrees.
4WD CV Axle
Shafts are designed to deliver the power and torque required for your off-road adventures.
They are high-strength steel for maximum durability and feature a neoprene boot for superior protection against the element.
4WD CV axle shafts are designed to simultaneously provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.
They are typically used in off-road driving.
They frequently operate in difficult driving conditions.
The 4WD CV axle is stronger and more durable than the 2WD axle shafts.
4WD CV feature larger diameters to accommodate the increased power output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum angle for a CV axle?
Maximum specified angle from the C.V. joint manufacturers are 30 degrees. This measurement may vary and exceed in many 4×4 vehicles. Some vehicle trims were registered at 36 degrees. Maximum CV axles have 20-25 degrees of standard angle. 25-30 degrees is considered a high angle value.
Can you install a CV axle wrong?
You can wrongly install a CV axle. So you should be careful during the installation and correction. You can identify them from the popping sound while turning the steering left and right. Left CV axle makes a popping noise while turning right and the right CV axle makes a popping noise while turning left.
Do CV axles bend?
CV axles can bend and show some symptoms. Bent CV axle causes more vibration than usual at higher speeds. Your vehicle will wobble at lower speed. Bent axles can damage other components of the drivetrain. It can also cause driving and safety issues. If you face any of the symptoms or suspect an axle being bent, contact a mechanic for inspection and maintenance.
Do you need to realign after CV axle replacement?
CV axle is an important part of the drivetrain in your vehicle. Bad CV axles can cause alignment issues and need replacing. After replacement you should realign the whole drivetrain. Many realignment points get touched during the replacement procedure.
Should I grease CV axle splines?
You should use grease or anti seize to lubricate the axle spines. Do not use the grease or anti seize during the mating of the wheel hub with CV axle shaft assembly. Keep the mating the place should be clean. But CV axles should be lubricated which provides a smooth experience and avoids many issues
Final Words
If the CV axle angle is not correct, it can cause the CV axle to bend and eventually break.
That’s why it is important to correct the angle properly. This article properly explained How to Correct CV Axle Angle.
We hope this helps you solve the CV axle angle problem.
