Transmission
Driveshaft / CV Joint
Driveshafts carry engine torque to the wheels and allow suspension movement and steering.
Free guide
Advertisement
Drivetrain flow
Interactive — tap a partTap a part to see how it fits in the system.
What it does
- Transfers torque at a constant velocity
- Allows steering and suspension travel
- Constant velocity (CV) joints flex at the ends
When it fails
- Clicking when turning hard (outer CV)
- Clunking under acceleration (inner CV)
- Vibration at speed
- Torn or leaking CV boot with grease spray
How to diagnose
- Check the CV boots for cracks
- Wiggle the shaft for play
- Drive in tight circles and listen for clicks
Maintenance
- Replace torn boots early to save the joint
- Replace complete shafts when joints wear
Use the diagnosis order. When a part fails, confirm each hypothesis with measurements before replacing anything — codes and symptoms overlap.
Related part
Differential
The differential lets the driven wheels turn at different speeds when cornering.