Bad CV joint- affect gas mileage?

[nedfunnell]

I'm trying to decide whether to fix a bad CV joint before or after a big trip. From what I know, CV joints rarely fail outright wherein I'll be stranded, so I'm not super worried about that happening on the trip. I do wonder if maybe I should do it before simply because of the impact on gas mileage. I imagine that a jacked-up CV joint might have some drag on it. Anyone know?

 

[jtvang125]

False. A torn CV boot will lead to a loss of grease in the CV joint. Lack of lubrication can cause joint to heat to point of failure.

Ask me how I know.

 

[nedfunnell]

Got stranded, huh?

 

[Doppel]

I highly doubt it will affect mpg. The only way it can is if it's producing a substantial amount of friction, which means heat, which means that joint is going to go really soon anyway.

 

[CurseTheSky]

I would never consider taking a vehicle for a big trip when I know it has a part that's wearing out and bound to fail "soon". If it was something minor like a window motor (other than the driver's door) or the AC system (provided that it's winter), I wouldn't worry. But you're kind of asking for trouble if you don't replace it.

 

[RU482]

Please get the CV Joint fixed. Especially if you have people traveling with you.

They are not terribly difficult to replace (granted, it requires some repair confidence, the right tools, and supplies)

 

[Harrod]

Get it fixed, I had one go out on a car of mine that had been clicking for a few months, that I didn't drive much, when it failed the car wouldn't move. Basically you end up tacking the cost of towing onto the price of fixing the part in the end.

 

[natto fire]

I am in the boat that it is a good idea to fix it now, but it is surprising how long CV joints can last after they start make the telltale click of torn boot. I had an '86 Tercel that I drove for 2 years after that click until the joint finally failed. That said, the Tercel was 4wd, so I simply selected that and had a RWD Tercel for a couple days until I got a new axle.

 

[kornphlake]

My saturn has been ticking for about 5 years, it's getting to the point I am moderately concerned about it, I don't drive anywhere without a cell phone and my AAA card anymore.

 

[SuperSix]

Amazing.

"It's OK, I have my phone and AAA card".

How about the family of 5 that slams into you because it locks up at highway speeds, or the poor tree you slam into because it fuses itself?

 

[jlee]

I am in the boat that it is a good idea to fix it now, but it is surprising how long CV joints can last after they start make the telltale click of torn boot. I had an '86 Tercel that I drove for 2 years after that click until the joint finally failed. That said, the Tercel was 4wd, so I simply selected that and had a RWD Tercel for a couple days until I got a new axle.

Clicking doesn't mean the boot is torn - it means the bearings inside are shot. It's likely that the boot is torn (causing grease to get out / dirt to get in), though.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Replace it.

It's nasty when they fail. You can't change it on the side of the road. When they fail there's a good chance it will take out other parts (30lb hunk of metal flailing around at highway speeds is not good)

If it fails while traveling you'll have to pick the first shop you find will cost you bigtime.



What car is this for? Half shafts / front axles have gotten dirt cheap... Like $50.. Plus $100 for labor and fluid. Be prepared to spend $400 after towing if this happens somewhere away from home.



You also haven't really told us what makes you think it's failed.. Is it clicking 24/7? Only popping when you turn the wheel a certain angle and backing out? Is the boot ripped a little bit?

 

[natto fire]

Clicking doesn't mean the boot is torn - it means the bearings inside are shot. It's likely that the boot is torn (causing grease to get out / dirt to get in), though.

Yeah I was probably going overboard on causality, but I have never seen a CV joint fail for any other reason than lack of lubrication, unless you count collisions. If you want to split hairs more, I am talking about the Rzeppa type CV joints that are commonly found on the outboard end of axle halfshafts (especially FWD). I have seen a Cardan type fail because of metal fatigue, but even that could have been caused by heat.

 

[jlee]

Yeah I was probably going overboard on causality, but I have never seen a CV joint fail for any other reason than lack of lubrication, unless you count collisions. If you want to split hairs more, I am talking about the Rzeppa type CV joints that are commonly found on the outboard end of axle halfshafts (especially FWD). I have seen a Cardan type fail because of metal fatigue, but even that could have been caused by heat.

Didn't mean to split hairs - just wanted to clarify. :beer;

 

[MovingTarget]

If you were considering getting it fixed after the trip anyway, but have time now, why is this even an issue? Go ahead and get it fixed so that you don't have to worry about it.

 

[nedfunnell]

I made it here just fine- no worries. I didn't have time to fix it before I left, so I went on faith and hope and AAA.

Problem details: Clicking sound when I make sharper turns, not during straight driving. Clicking sounds manifested more recently.

 

[nedfunnell]

Update: Just made another 980 mile trip. No problemo!

 

[Black2na]

you seem to be pushing your luck with it i would honestly do it before your stuck on the side of the road

 

[Harrod]

We should start taking bets on how long it will last.

I remember right before mine broke last week, I was beating the crap out of the car. Then later that night as I am leaving to get lunch the joint shattered and I coasted across the street into a law firm parking lot.

 

[SabaII]

Yeah I was probably going overboard on causality, but I have never seen a CV joint fail for any other reason than lack of lubrication, unless you count collisions. If you want to split hairs more, I am talking about the Rzeppa type CV joints that are commonly found on the outboard end of axle halfshafts (especially FWD). I have seen a Cardan type fail because of metal fatigue, but even that could have been caused by heat.

Tire spinning on slick surface then catching traction does wonders for them. Hitting a curb while turning will pop them apart. Over-articulation of the suspension can pull them apart. (mostly on 4wds) I have seen what happens when stuff is pushed to "Last just a little bit longer." Fix it before it ends up costing you more money. The CV going out will become out of balance. It then can ruin the seals in the differential or even cause damage to the wheel bearing.

 

[jellero]

I'm trying to decide whether to fix a bad CV joint before or after a big trip. From what I know, CV joints rarely fail outright wherein I'll be stranded, so I'm not super worried about that happening on the trip. I do wonder if maybe I should do it before simply because of the impact on gas mileage. I imagine that a jacked-up CV joint might have some drag on it. Anyone know?

i'm laughing here as my honda just started clicking. yes you need to replace it, especially before a trip. why put it off? the cost will only go up. and yes it will leave you stranded if the axle breaks. it is harder to turn a bad cv than a new one but the issue isn't losing an extra mpg. i'm a mechanic and it is amazing how i try to push things but it makes no sense.

 

[nerp]

Let us know where you live so we can start checking the obits page.

 

[wirednuts]

lets us know where you live so we can stay away and survive.

there are other people out there that your broken cv can kill besides you. please be polite and fix what you know is a safety hazard.

 

[phucheneh]

Necro much?

IMO if your CV joint is clicking, get off the damned road...your car is probably an ill-maintained shitheap. Clicking means the boot tore and all the grease got flung out...a while ago. And you kept driving it for thousands of miles until the joint totally dried out and began to eat itself.

 

[nedfunnell]

Yep, yep I did- thousands more miles more. I changed it when it got a bit louder and had no problems at all.

As far as being a danger to other people- I am all about responsibility with auto maintenance. I even wrote this two weeks ago.

With a CV joint, though, what will happen when it breaks? I'll lose power and coast to the side of the road, call AAA, and curse myself for pushing my luck too far. Not likely to kill anyone else.