Are you aware of the symptoms of a bad CV joint in your Audi automobile? If you are still in doubt, let us help you understand them fully. The CV joint is an important part of your Audi’s drivetrain that enables the wheels to get power from the transmission while remaining flexible as the wheels move up and down or from left to right. In its absence, your car cannot properly transfer power to the wheels, making driving smooth and handling almost impossible. Now, let’s focus more on noticing that your CV joint is problematic and why you shouldn’t delay if you see something is wrong with it.
Signs of a Failing CV Joint
- Clicking or Popping Sounds When Turning: The first and most apparent sign of a bad CV joint is a clunking or clicking sound, especially while cornering at slow speeds. This noise results from the wearing or damaging of the joint’s parts, which then rub against each other.
- Vibrations While Driving: Your Audi’s excessive vibration while accelerating could be attributed to a problem with the CV joint. Vibrations may occur because the joint is misaligned, which interferes with the flow of power to the wheels.
- Grease Leaks Around the Tires: The CV joint has a rubber boot filled with grease. If this boot is cracked or torn, grease will come out, and when dirt or debris is around the joint, it will go in. A grease stain around the inner circumference of your tires or near them is a sign that the CV joint boot has torn apart.
- Knocking Sounds During Acceleration: A worn CV joint will often make a knocking or clunking noise, which is more pronounced when accelerating. This means that internal parts of the joint are worn out or weak and cannot handle the loads from your engine power.
- Loss of Steering Control: At worst, a completely failed CV joint will cut off the power to the wheels, affecting your ability to steer your car effectively. This is a safety issue that should not be ignored.
Why You Should Act On CV Joint Issues As Soon As Possible
If you fail to fix your Audi’s CV joint, you will end up spending a lot of money to repair the complete drivetrain and suspension system. A complete failure of the CV joint means the car will no longer be operable, and towing or repairing can become extremely expensive. It is much better to replace a CV joint or CV boot than face the consequences of complete failure, which might be much more expensive.
What to Do If You Think You Have CV Joint Problems
- Replace a Damaged CV Boot: If a tear or crack damages the CV boot, but the joint is not affected, it is recommended to change the boot. This helps to shut out grime and grit from the joint, keep in grease, and stop it from leaking out. Repairs at this stage are minor and will eliminate the need to undergo a full joint replacement in the future.
- CV Joint Repair or Replacement: When the CV joint itself is worn out or damaged, it requires repair or replacement. A worn joint can result in other problems like vibrations, noises, or, in the worst case, failure. The use of quality replacement parts makes the repair long-lasting and also keeps your car in good condition.
How JCL Automotive Can Help
If your Audi has any CV joint issue, then JCL Automotive in Hellertown, PA, has qualified technicians to handle the problem. Our employees have been working in this industry for many years and know the specifics of European cars; therefore, when it comes to CV joint problems, we will be able to determine the cause of the problem and help you make your car safe for driving.
We welcome all Audi drivers from Hellertown and neighboring towns such as Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton, and others. Do not sit back and watch a small issue develop into a colossal one. Call us today to set up an appointment and ensure your Audi lasts many more years on the road.