Be prepared to pay an average total replacement cost of $500 to $1500 for a CV axle replacement, with $350 to $1000 for parts and $170 to $200+ for mechanic labor. Total costs will vary depending on your vehicle and the labor costs in your area.

How long does it take to replace a CV axle shaft? It typically takes about 1.5 to 3 hours for a certified mechanic to finish the replacement. This includes the time it takes to inspect and diagnose the CV axle assembly to determine if a replacement is necessary.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

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What parts do I need for my axle CV shaft replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Swapping out the CV axle shaft requires a lot of mechanical equipment. Here are the main parts your mechanic will use:

The new CV axle assembly: The CV joints and boots come attached to the CV shaft, so you can simply swap out the whole assembly. CV axle assemblies generally cost $75 to $200, although the price depends on your vehicle.

Keep in mind: Your mechanic also uses tools like a torque wrench, breaker bar, ball joint separator, and spindle nut socket to do the replacement.

We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend trusted brands such as ACDelco, Cardone, and GSP North America for reliable power transfer and smooth operation for your vehicle. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Rest assured that OEM and aftermarket parts are certified to be used on the vehicle. Aftermarket CV shafts will work as long as the parts fit your vehicle. You’ll save money using aftermarket equipment, but if you’re looking for a quality guarantee, go with OEM parts.

Where can I buy parts for my CV axle replacement?

Shop online or at your local auto parts store like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. If they don’t have your specific part in stock, they can easily order it for you. You can also check online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my CV axle replaced?

Scheduling the time for car repairs is stressful enough without having to research repair centers that do assembly replacements. This is where Jerry's

GarageGuard™

saves the day. Just download the free app to compare costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ does the research for you! The app compares fair price estimates* from every repair shop using their real hourly labor rate. Use the info to find out what’s covered in the service cost. Then, read actual reviews so you can make an informed choice for your vehicle repairs.

Read through some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes near you.

159 Reviews

Empire Auto Repair & Tire Center

100 E Dyer Rd, Huntington, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$90

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (714) 556-1494

160 Reviews

O'Brien's Auto Repair LLC

46 Bayshore Rd, Green Creek, NJ

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$130

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (609) 889-4504

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

103 Reviews

Tveten's Lakewood Inc

5425 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (253) 588-5201

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my CV axle?

Once you’ve done your research and found a qualified mechanic, they’ll follow these steps to replace the CV axle shaft:

Prepare: The mechanic will use a floor jack to raise up your car so they can access the wheels and undercarriage. They’ll also get out the necessary tools while the engine cools.

Diagnose: Your mechanic will take off the wheels in order to inspect all the parts of the CV shaft assembly, including the CV joints, boots, and the shaft itself. They’ll decide if the shaft needs to be replaced. If it does, they’ll also replace the joints and boots at the same time.

Remove and replace the faulty axle shaft: Next, the mechanic will

remove the failing CV axle

along with the joints and boots. They’ll swap them out with new parts.

Reassembly: Once the mechanic has made the repairs, they’ll work in reverse order to reinstall the CV axle assembly. They’ll torque every fastener and wheel to your vehicle’s exact specifications.

Finish up: The mechanic will fill up any lost transmission fluid and check the tire pressure. They’ll finish by performing a road test. Then, you’re good to go!

What happens if I don’t replace my CV axle shaft?

Don’t wait to fix a failing CV shaft! A damaged shaft can lead to these problems:

Broken steering or suspension

Loss of vehicle control and increased risk of an accident

Inability to accelerate or drive the vehicle

Keep in mind: If you live in a rainy or icy climate, the CV axle shaft can deteriorate faster. The longer you wait to repair the shaft, the more expensive the repairs could be!

What is a CV axle shaft?

CV stands for constant velocity. The CV axle shaft is part of the CV axle assembly, which also includes CV joints and CV boots. Together, these form part of your car’s drivetrain that delivers power from the transmission to the wheels. CV axle assemblies are usually used in front-wheel drive vehicles, but they’re also on all-wheel drive vehicles.

If you look more closely at the CV axle assembly, you will spot a shaft that connects a CV joint on each end. The joints let the shafts rotate freely. You can probably guess that a failing CV axle is a big problem!

When should I replace the CV axle on my car?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of a bad CV axle:

Clicking noises when turning: Some drivers describe the sound as a loud pop. These noises mean the joints are loose on the shaft.

Knocking or clunking sounds: This might sound rhythmic or be more noticeable when you put your vehicle in reverse.

Grease on the inside or rim of the tires: The CV boots have grease that keeps the axle shaft lubricated, but if they’re leaking, the CV shaft could fail.

Vibration while you drive: This is a vague sign, but if the vibration is strong, gets worse the faster you drive or makes driving feel bouncy, the problem might come from the CV axle shaft.

Keep in mind: If you hear any unusual noises coming from your wheels, get your CV axle assembly checked right away.

How often should a CV axle shaft be replaced?

CV axle shafts typically last a long time—we’re talking 70,000 to 140,000 miles. Driving conditions can affect the lifespan. If you drive on rough roads or off-road terrain, the CV axle will wear out faster.

Can I replace my CV axle myself?

Working on the CV axle assembly takes advanced auto repair skills, so it’s best to leave the replacement to the automotive professionals. Plus, they’ll already have all the specialized tools and equipment to do the job.

Tip: If your car is still under warranty, check to see if the manufacturer will cover the cost of replacing the CV axle shaft.

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FAQs

Can I drive with a bad CV shaft?

You can temporarily drive with a failing CV shaft, although you need to get it repaired immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage the broken shaft will cause to your vehicle. This translates to higher repair costs!

Can a bad CV axle mess up your transmission?

Yes. Since the CV axle assembly transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, a damaged CV assembly puts a lot of stress on the transmission.

Transmission fluid might leak

and cause the transmission to slip.

What does a broken axle sound like?

Drivers often hear popping, clunking, knocking, and clicking sounds when the CV axle shaft fails.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.