Do you sometimes hear a clicking sound when steering your Volvo car or does it vibrate when accelerating? If yes, then it may signal CV joint problems, a common car issue, which if left unchecked, poses a significant threat to your Volvo’s drivetrain. The CV (constant velocity) joints have the responsibility of transmitting power from the transmission to the wheels to allow more efficient movement of the vehicle. Let’s learn about what CV joints are, how you can recognize that your vehicle has this problem, and tips to solve these problems.

What is a CV Joint and Why Do You Need It?

CV joints are complex parts of your car’s transmission system. They join the transmission to the wheels to help your vehicle to transfer power as required. The structure of this component enables it to support the up and down movement of the suspension and the left and right movement of the steering. In most Volvos, whether FWD or AWD cars, it’s the CV joints that allow for graceful, uninterrupted motion. Without them, turning, accelerating, or driving over bumps, etc would be rough and jerky.

The majority of CV joints are enclosed within rubber shields that contain grease. This design makes sure that they are well-lubricated, and do not come into contact with dirt, moisture, or any other substance that may harm them. However, as time goes by, the joints might begin to experience deterioration as a result of exposure to the environment, or, the rubber used in the boots can get damaged and cause issues.

Potential Symptoms Of CV Joint Trouble

  • Clicking or Popping Sounds While Turning: The early sign that your vehicle has a problem with the CV joint is a clicking sound when turning. It can mean that the joint is worn and is not able to deal with the movement of the wheels.
  • Grease Leaks: If you see grease on the inside of your wheels or around the tires, this could be as a result of a torn CV boot. After the grease has leaked out, then the joint system is left open to other particles which cause wear and tear at a faster rate.
  • Vibrations While Driving: In this case, the vibrations you are likely to experience are through the steering wheel or the body of the car. They are usually worse when you accelerate or when you are driving at high speeds.
  • Knocking Sounds and Difficulty Handling: If the CV joint is badly worn, you could hear loud clicking or knocking sounds especially when changing gears, or driving over uneven surfaces. Bad CV joints make your car difficult to manage, particularly when cornering or turning at high speed.

Steps to Fix CV Joint Issues

  • Inspect the CV Boot: The first thing that should be done is to look for cracks, tears, or leaks on the CV boot. If the boot is worn out while the joint is still healthy then the boot can be replaced and fresh grease may be added.
  • Replace the CV Joint: If the joint has been damaged, it may require complete replacement of the joint. This can however be slightly expensive, but it is important to restore the performance and safety of your Volvo.
  • Seek Professional Help: Replacing a CV joint is not something that any novice mechanic or car owner can do themselves. The right tools and expertise are needed to make sure that the repair is done appropriately. There is no better way of having the job done than having it done by experts from a reputable auto repair shop.

Why You Should Trust Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair for Volvo Repairs

At Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair, we pride ourselves Volvo CV Joint Check on offering excellent service for Volvos and other Japanese and European cars. The skilled mechanics at our company have been fixing and identifying CV joint problems for many years with the help of modern tools and only high-quality components.

Whether it is a simple case of a worn-out CV boot or total damage of an axle, don’t worry, we have you covered. Also, we value open communication and customers’ needs, so you will be kept abreast of the progress of your vehicle. Based in Illinois, we have our workshop in Algonquin, and we also extend our helping hands to Volvo drivers from Barrington, Crystal Lake, IL, and all the nearby areas. Our ASE-certified staff are here to assist in keeping your vehicle safe for you and your family. Call us to book a service appointment with our expert.

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