Help.. how can u tell if CV joint going?how far can it be driven on?would pwr/strng fluid cause this?SOS plse?

Question

Hi all, that very same Rover 420d with the power steering fluid leak.. when we had a look for the leak we noticed the rubber gaiter near the wheel corroded, does that mean the CV joint is scrap too? Although we have had a whining noise from the front wheel for a few weeks but having the stereo/amp up loud you tend to forget noises...! We had the tensioner arm thingy replaced a few months ago... the fluid seems to be leaking from a unit that sits at the underneath (going towards the car ) of the tensioner arm (this is on the front left of the engine)... sorry if it sounds a bit muddled and wonky but would really appreciate some sound advice on this as we gotta drive to Wales tonight so be cool if anyone can actually understand what I mean.... thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Drive slowly round in tight circles, left and right. If you can hear a distinct "clicking", then your CVJ is on the way out.

If the boot is split or corroded, then it's likely that dirt will get in and damage the bearings, so the rubber needs to be replaced, even if the CVJ is still good.

If there's a lot of noise from the CVJ, then don't drive it very far...
but in my Mini days, people used to ignore it for months, until it got really bad. :-)
Very much a judgement call, I'm afraid.... at the very least, get the rubber boot replaced right away, to prevent further damage...

Answer 2

Once the gaiters fail, the CV joints will quickly be destroyed by the swarf, water and gunk that gets kicked up from the road, as well as by the lubricating grease being thrown from the CV joints. Gaiters perform two services -- keep the rubbish out and the grease in.

If you catch it VERY soon after the gaiter fails it may be possible to clean up the CV joints and lubricate them and fit new gaiters and be right with the world. However, this will probably take more time and expense in labour than the cost of fitting new CV joints would so new CVs would be the safest bet all around.

If there is ANY play or noise in the CV joints, they've packed it in. Early on you're most likely to year some light clicking when the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle is moving. As the wear progresses it will take less deflection of the wheel to trigger the noise.

Once they start making noise, catastrophic failure could come at any time. If you were running at motorway speeds, you could do significant additional damage to your car. Broken drive axles at high speed have been known to tear out suspension components or shatter gearbox cases.

I'd postpone the trip until you make repairs, or get a hire car.

Answer 3

first , if your power steering was leaking, when a power steering pump is low on fluid it will whine, probably what u heard thinking it was front wheel . second - if cv boot has a tear in it dosent mean u need to change cv joint, cv may still be ok. if u have a bad cv joint u should hear a clicking or clunking when u make tight turns. if u hear no clicking or clunking when turning cv joint should be ok, but get boot changed or u will need cv joint too. all the rubber boot does is keeps needed grease in joint and keeps dirt out good luck , hope this helps

Answer 4

if the cv joint is going bad you will hear clicking noises from it when you turn the steering to full lock, dont do this when on a jack cos you wont hear anything, you must do it when car in on the ground and you apply power. try doing this in both directions and drive in a circle, you will only hear this noise when you put the power on. if there is no clicking your cv joints are ok and only need the rubber boots replaced

Answer 5

The CV joint connects the half shafts which drive the car with the wheels, the CV joint allows the power to be transmitted throughout the wheels turning (steering ) range of motion. Failure of front wheel driveaxle parts could lead to: * 1. Complete failure of the shaft leaving the driver and his or her family stranded * 2. Disintegration of the unit while in motion which in turn could puncture the transmission or some other area under the car, or * 3. Loss of control over the vehicle and the possibility of a life threatening accident.

Answer 6

cv joint going will clunk on full lock but will not effect your power steering at all.

when you are half way across the severn bridge turn sharp left.. it will solve all your problems!

u definatly have a wheel bearing problem i would say but check your cv rubber boots for grease leaking you may have a dry cv joint.
either way dont drive too far as is could go pete tonge any time.

Answer 7

you can tell when a cv joint is bad,when your making a righ,or left turn and it goes click,click,click.thats how you can tell.if theres a boot tore then road grime gets in and destroys the joint,and all the grease runs out.

Answer 8

Yeah pull some doughnut rings and if your hear a knocking sound your Cv joints are going.

Answer 9

like they said if the cv joint is bad it CLICK...been there good luck