A faulty CV axle is not something that you want to delay getting checked out or repaired. A declining CV axle will eventually break altogether, and it can cause you to lose control of your car if that happens when you’re driving.

If you suspect trouble with one of your car’s CV axles, don’t wait to get it checked out! While a car can still drive with a failing CV axle, it will completely break at some point—and that could result in a serious accident. Read on to learn why this is one

car repair

that can’t wait!

Is it safe to drive with a broken CV axle?

No, it’s not safe to drive with a broken CV axle. Although it’s possible for your car to still be operational with a failing CV axle, the problem will continue to get worse until the axle or joint finally breaks altogether. If that happens when you’re behind the wheel, you’ll lose control of your car and could cause a severe accident.

But what exactly is a CV axle, and why is it so dangerous if it’s not working properly? In their early days, CV axles were most likely to be found in front-wheel drive vehicles, but their scope has since expanded to include rear and all-wheel drive vehicles, too.

CV stands for constant velocity. In a nutshell, the CV axle supports the wheels so they can move independently from the rest of the vehicle while still maintaining the proper amount of power. A CV axle has a flexible CV joint on either end—one that connects to the wheel, and one that connects to the transmission. This means that your car can absorb bumps and turns in the road much easier than it could without this wiggle room.

This part connects your wheels to your suspension, and if it breaks completely, things could get very dangerous very fast. Don’t wait if you suspect that there’s a problem with your CV axle—it’s just not worth the risk!

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How long does a CV axle last?

In a newer vehicle, you can expect a CV axle to last around 100,000 miles. The CV axles on a car are usually covered by the manufacturer's powertrain warranty, which depending on your vehicle can be anywhere from four years/50,000 miles to 10 years/100,00 miles.

Depending on your driving habits and location, there is a lot of variation possible with this range. Things like road debris, snow, ice, and extreme driving conditions can all shorten the life of a CV axle. If you are seeing signs of trouble, don’t wait to have it checked out based on an estimated timeline.

Can a bad CV axle cause engine damage?

Yes. A broken CV could cause severe damage to other parts of your engine, particularly if it breaks apart while you’re driving. But even if it doesn’t, driving with a bad CV axle creates additional stress for the other parts of your car’s powertrain—most notably the transmission.

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How to tell if your CV axle is broken

The signs of a CV axle that’s broken or on the way out are pretty evident, so it’s not likely to be something that you would miss. Pay attention to any of these signs:

Clicking noises when turning or accelerating

Vibrations or rattling noises, especially at high speeds

Black grease around the inside of the wheel or the ground around the wheel

A key component of a CV axle is the CV boot, which is a little rubber cover that keeps debris out of the actual CV joint. This cover is full of dark grease, so if you see a lot of that around one of your wheels, it’s a sign that the boot is broken or leaking.

How much does a CV axle replacement cost?

The cost of replacing a CV axle ranges widely depending on the vehicle. It can be as little as around $300 for some cars, or upwards of $1,500 for some luxury models. Keep in mind that this is the cost per axle, so let’s hope you don’t have more than one that needs repair or replacement!

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