CV Axle Leaking; Symptoms, Causes and Fixing Ways

Many people do not really aware about the CV joint, axle shaft seal, and similar components unless they create problem. When the vehicle starts to make noises as if the metal is clicking, the CV joint needs replacement. It is also possible that the metal pops out of the front wheel while turning. This is another indication of CV axle leaking, and you need fixation.

This component is present in a vehicle to allow a smooth turn by supplying enough power. If it is not there, the car will not turn around, and its working will be ineffective.

In this article, we will learn about CV joint or axle and the symptoms that of axle boot leaking, the cause behind the leakage, and how we can fix it.

Functions of CV Axle

Following are the main functions of CV Axle that we all should know to understand its significance in a vehicle:

1. The CV joint or constant velocity is essential for front-wheel drive cars. They provide them with the power to turn around at corners.
2. The CV axle is present in both front and back wheels to support their movement.
3. It has axle seals that join with the main shaft of the front wheel of a car. This is how it makes a smooth connection to support the movement.
4. The function also involves the provision of power at the same level, at different angles, and to other wheels of the car. All of this could be done all at the same time.
5. They are present near the front wheel of a car with transmission fluid in the form of MoS2 grease. There is also a bulbous rubber boots seal that protects the whole structure. This allows a continuous supply of power to wheels.
6. This component can provide enough energy or power, no matter at which angle the driver is turning the car.

Signs of CV Axle Leaking

Some multiple signs and symptoms alert the drivers of leaking CV axle. The indication points towards mechanical services, and a replacement. Let us learn what these signs could be:

1. Leaking Grease

The CV boot’s supportive rubber becomes brittle with continuous and long-term use. It starts to develop cracks and tears all along the surface. Consequently, the axle leaking grease will begin to drip onto the wheel. It can also drip on other vehicle parts while the car is turning.

2. Vibration and Metal Sound

Another sign of leaking CV boot is vibration in the vehicle when the driver turns the car. Also, the metal clicking sound is typical during the process. This shows that the CV joint is filled with dust, dirt, and particles. This will damage the joint and thus requires a replacement.

3. Clicking and Popping Metal

Another indication of bad CV axle is the noisy sound and metal popping out of the car’s front wheel. This means that the CV axle shaft is leaking the grease, and there is not enough left for lubrication. If you check it and find that all damage is done, replacement is the only solution.

Causes of Leaking CV Axle

There could be multiple reasons why the car’s CV axle is leaking. Let us discuss the most prominent ones here:

1. Build-Up Around Seal

Many people do not know that the CV boot seal starts to tear with time. When a part is broken, the grease drips from it and accumulates in the broken section. The bigger this area is, the more residues of grease will accumulate. It will build up over time. Thus, the seal will start leaking according to the outlet it gets through this type of deposition.

2. Fluid Puddles

If you find out that the CV axle shaft seal is leaking, you will observe a puddle of fluid underneath it. The grease or fluid will start to drip through it when it fails to work. It is usually more common in cases when the car is parked. You should get professional services as soon as you find out this puddle under the car,. This is important because the transmission does not have enough fluid left. This could damage this part due to overheating.

3. Popped Axle Shaft

When you understand that the CV Axle seal leak is happening, you will observe that the axle will pop out. This shaft is not only covering the CV boot but also the transmission or differential. If the seal is broken, the axle will pop out of the wheel. In this case, you have to get the professional installation of the shaft back in its place. Also, do it before driving the vehicle again to avoid damage to the other components.

How to fix leaking CV axle?

You can certainly fix the leaking CV Axle grease. There are two ways of doing it. Either repair it or replace it. The fixation depends on the extent of the damage. Let us learn about both in the section below:

1. Repair

If you catch the faulty transmission axle seal right at the start, only seal replacement could stop the leaking axle. Also, you can repack the CV boot back at its place to ensure that the grease is not coming out anymore. This should be enough, but only in case of early detection of the problem.

This will be not very costly and would be easy to do. It will only cost you between180 to 350 dollars. Moreover, the labor required for doing it is also cheap, so you can also do it yourself. You can get the whole CV boot kit with the new seal and grease material.

2. Replacement

However, if the CV axle is entirely out of order, and broken, you have to replace it. There could be no other better solution to stop CV axle leaking grease than replacement. You will spend more money on the whole replacement, which costs around 350 to 800 dollars.

The professionals can replace it at any price that lies within the above range. However, if you want to do it yourself, you need a few tools. Torque wrench, socket, axle nut, and hub nut. You can then use the replacement manual and do the job.

FAQs

1. Can you drive with a leaking CV joint boot?

Yes, you can still drive when the CV axle seal is broken and the boot is leaking. However, do not do it for a long time because overheating can damage the components further.

2. What happens if your CV Axle is leaking?

When the CV axle leaks, the vehicle starts producing a clicking sound when the driver turns the car around.

3. How much does it cost to fix a CV Axle leak?

You have to pay between 180 to 350 dollars to repair a leaking CV boot,. While for replacement, you pay between 300 to 800 dollars.

4. How long does it take to replace an Axle seal?

It depends on your expertise and how long it takes to fix axle boot leaking. A professional can do it within minutes.

Conclusion

We are sure that the above information about CV axle leaking is enough for you to understand the problem and fix it. You can also easily identify the CV axle seal leak, which will help you quickly repair the component rather than replace it when the damage is irreversible.