Where Is the CV Joint Located in a Car

Q: Where is the CV joint located in a car?

Constant velocity (CV) joints are found on both ends of the driveshafts of a front-wheel drive (FWD) car. The inner CV joint sits between the axle and transmission. Meanwhile, the outer CV joint can be found between the axle and the wheel.

CV joints connect the transmission to the wheels. Considered part of the driveshaft, they’re mainly used on FWD vehicles, although some rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles also use them.

A CV joint transmits torque from the transmission to the wheels. Furthermore, it ensures a constant speed no matter the wheels’ position. The joint ensures the wheels move at a constant velocity during turns. It also compensates for the suspension’s vertical movement, such as when driving over uneven terrain that causes your car to jolt up or down.

Tips on How to Access the CV Joint

First, ensure your car won’t move while you’re working on the CV joints. Park your vehicle on level ground, engage the parking brake, and shift the transmission into park. It’s also advisable to put wheel chocks behind the tires to keep them from rolling.

Find an assistant who can step on the brake pedal while you unfasten the nut that secures the driveshaft. This locks the brake pad in place, stopping the hub assembly from spinning while you remove the driveshaft.

Clean the CV joint parts before installing them. You want to prevent contaminants like dirt and water from entering the joint. They can damage the parts, reducing the CV joint’s effectiveness and causing faster wear.