HART'S AUTO REPAIR > CAR TIPS & ADVICE > ABOUT CV JOINTS, BOOTS, & SHAFTS

TIPS ABOUT CV JOINTS, BOOTS, & SHAFTS

What is a CV Joint, Boot or Shaft -- Does my car have one?

Front wheel drive cars have two short drive shafts, one on each side of the engine to power the front wheels, with 4 constant velocity (CV) joints. Constant velocity driveshafts for front wheel drive cars are in pairs. One shaft goes on the left (driver) side of the vehicle and the other is placed on the right (passenger) side. Each shaft has an end that connects to the engine/transmission and an end that connects to a left or right wheel. The ends of each shaft have constant velocity universal joints. Both joints are permanently lubricated and protected by a flexible sealed boot. Should this boot become ripped and contaminants allowed to enter, the life expectancy of CV joints can be as little as 8 hours driving time.