CV Joint Warning Signs: 5 Symptoms South African Drivers Should Never Ignore

If you drive in South Africa, your CV joints take a beating. Between potholes, gravel roads, and speed bumps, these critical components work overtime to transfer power from your transmission to your wheels. Knowing when they're failing can save you from a breakdown — or worse, an accident.

What Is a CV Joint and Why Does It Matter?

CV (Constant Velocity) joints are part of your car's drivetrain, connecting the transmission to the wheels. They allow your wheels to receive power while turning and moving up and down with your suspension. Most front-wheel-drive vehicles have four CV joints — two inner and two outer.

When these joints fail, you lose the ability to transfer power to your wheels effectively. In severe cases, complete failure can leave you stranded or cause loss of vehicle control.

1. Clicking or Popping Sounds When Turning

This is the most common sign of a failing outer CV joint. If you hear a rhythmic clicking, popping, or snapping sound when making turns — especially sharp turns — your CV joint is likely worn.

The sound typically gets louder as the damage progresses. It's most noticeable at low speeds when turning into parking spots or driveways.

2. Clunking Noise When Accelerating or Decelerating

Inner CV joint problems often produce a clunk or thud when you accelerate from a stop or shift between drive and reverse. This happens because worn inner joints have excessive play, causing metal-on-metal contact during load changes.

If you notice this symptom, have it checked soon — inner CV joint failure can be more sudden and dangerous than outer joint wear.

3. Vibration While Driving

A damaged CV joint can cause vibrations that increase with speed. Unlike wheel balance issues (which cause vibration at specific speeds), CV joint vibration tends to worsen progressively as you accelerate.

These vibrations put additional stress on your transmission, wheel bearings, and suspension components, potentially causing secondary damage if left unchecked.

4. Grease on the Inside of Your Tyres

CV joints are protected by rubber boots filled with grease. When these boots crack or tear — often from age, heat, or road debris — grease escapes and flings onto the inside of your wheel and tyre.

A torn boot doesn't mean immediate failure, but once the grease is gone and dirt gets in, the joint will wear rapidly. Catching a torn boot early can save you from replacing the entire CV axle.

5. Knocking Sound From Under the Vehicle

A worn CV joint with significant play can produce a knocking sound, especially when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. This is often accompanied by a feeling of looseness in the steering.

This symptom indicates advanced wear and should be addressed urgently before complete failure occurs.

CV Joint Replacement: What to Expect

In most cases, mechanics replace the entire CV axle (also called a drive shaft) rather than just the joint. This is more cost-effective and ensures reliable performance.

Replacement typically takes 1-2 hours per side. Quality aftermarket CV axles are available for most vehicles in South Africa, making this repair affordable compared to many drivetrain issues.

Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

CV joint problems don't fix themselves — they only get worse. Early intervention when you first notice clicking or torn boots can prevent the more expensive repair of replacing the entire axle, or worse, getting stranded on the N1.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, get your CV joints inspected. A quick visual check of the boots and a test drive can confirm whether replacement is needed.

Looking for CV axles and joints for your vehicle? Ace Auto Parts stocks new and quality used CV axles for most makes and models. Search our inventory online or contact us for availability.