General CV Joint Replacement Cost (and 5 Symptoms)

What is a CV Joint?

A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is basically the connector or link between a car's transmission system and the wheel. It helps to transmit power to the wheels while allowing them to move up and down, and even turn left or right when steering the front wheels.

This articulated joint consists of an inner joint that is connected to the transaxle (RepairPal – CV Axle Replacement Cost), an outer joint that connects to the wheel and an axle shaft in between. The inner and outer joints are lubricated using grease and covered by a flexible accordion boot to keep the grease in and dust out.

General Cost of CV Joint Replacement

The price of a CV joint depends on the brand and most importantly, the car that it is designed for since it is not possible to get a universal fitting piece.

That said, you can get this part from as low as $60 to as high as $1,000 on Amazon while the labor cost for doing the replacement will set you back about $300 on average, depending on if you are doing a single or double axle change.

To give you an idea of these costings, this table lists the total average replacement cost of some popular car models for a single CV joint (data by Santander Consumer USA, 2019).

Symptoms of a Failing CV Joint

Before doing a CV joint replacement, you must be sure that it is the part that is worn out. There are several symptoms that you can identify this issue with and these include:

1. Noisy Turning

The most common symptom of a damaged CV joint is a noisy clicking sound when making a gear shift as you take a hairpin turn.

You can test this by driving in reverse with the steering wheel turned all the way to one side. You will be going in circles and therefore, ensure your playground is wide and clear. If you hear the clicking sounds, a replacement is due.

2. Knocking Sounds

In addition to making clicking noises when turning, a severely worn out CV joint will also make knocking sounds in normal driving conditions.

For front-wheel-drive cars, this noise will most likely come from the inner joint while for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, it can be from either joint.

3. Grease on the Tire's Edge

If you spot grease on your car's tire, chances are that the boot is damaged and the lubricant is leaking out. The damage might be worse if you spot dark oil or dark-colored grease because this might leave the joint operating without any lubrication in no time.

A cracked boot also allows dirt and other fragments to get into the joint, thereby causing a lot of wear and tear. Therefore, if you spot such a leak, confirm the source of the grease and if it is the CV joint's boot, replace it as soon as possible.

4. Vibrations when Driving

Damaged CV joints won't be able to balance the rotational force properly and this will cause vibrations that will get more intense the more you accelerate.

In extreme situations, this might make it difficult to control the car at high speeds, creating a safety risk. It may also reduce the comfort of the ride and therefore, a replacement should be done immediately.

5. Bumpy Driving

Lastly, you may experience some bounciness on your ride when driving on a flat surface. Though this may not necessarily be due to a damaged CV joint, you can take your car to a mechanic just to verify what the problem is.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does CV joint replacement cost?

CV joint replacement typically costs between $200 and $800 per axle, including parts and labor. A CV axle shaft replacement (which includes the CV joint) runs $150–$400 for parts and $80–$200 for labor. Luxury and AWD vehicles cost more due to parts complexity.

What are the symptoms of a failing CV joint?

The most common symptom is a clicking or popping sound when turning, especially at low speeds. Other signs include vibrations when driving, knocking sounds during acceleration, grease on the inside of tires from a torn CV boot, and a bumpy or rough ride.

How long does a CV joint last?

CV joints typically last 70,000–130,000 miles. A torn CV boot — the rubber covering that keeps grease in and dirt out — is the primary cause of early CV joint failure. Replacing the boot when torn (about $75–$200) can prevent costly joint replacement later.

Can I drive with a bad CV joint?

Driving with a severely damaged CV joint is dangerous. It can cause complete loss of power to that wheel or, in extreme cases, the axle can break while driving. At the first signs of clicking during turns, have the CV joint inspected immediately.

How long does CV joint replacement take?

A CV axle or joint replacement takes a mechanic 1–3 hours depending on the vehicle and whether both sides need replacement. For AWD or 4WD vehicles, the job may take longer due to additional drivetrain components. Many shops offer same-day service.