CV Joints and Driveshafts in Tyne and Wear

Driveshafts carry power from the gearbox or differential to the wheels. Constant velocity joints, known as CV joints, sit at each end of the shaft so drive carries on smoothly while the wheels steer and the suspension moves.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we repair and replace driveshafts and CV joints as part of our transmission work. This page covers the symptoms, the repair and what to ask us.

Signs of a worn CV joint or driveshaft

The most familiar symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise when turning, especially on tight turns under power such as pulling out of a junction. It is usually the outer joint, and it tends to get louder.

Vibration under acceleration, a clunk when moving off or changing between drive and reverse, or grease thrown around the inside of a wheel can point to inner joint wear or a damaged rubber boot. If a driveshaft fails completely, the car can lose drive, so do not ignore the noise for long.

• Clicking or popping on turns
• Clunking when accelerating or lifting off
• Vibration that changes with acceleration
• Torn or split rubber gaiter with grease flung outward
• Grease on the inside of the wheel or suspension

What the work involves

We lift the car, check the joints for play and the gaiters for splits, and road test where it is safe to confirm the noise. Then the driveshaft is removed, which usually means disturbing the hub, suspension and sometimes the brakes on that corner.

Depending on the condition, we may replace the joint or the gaiter and refill with fresh grease, or fit a complete driveshaft. If a gaiter has split and been caught early, the joint may be reusable after cleaning and inspection. If grit has got in and the joint is worn, a new joint or shaft is the sensible route.

After refitting, hub nuts and suspension components are tightened to the correct settings and the car is checked on the road.

What affects the outcome and the cost

The main factor is whether the repair is a gaiter, a joint or a whole driveshaft. Complete shafts are often the simpler job on many cars, while rebuilding with a new joint can suit others. We explain the options and our recommendation at the estimate.

Access matters, too. Seized hub nuts, corroded fittings and the layout of the suspension can add labour. Related parts such as wheel bearings or track rod ends are checked while the area is apart.

• Gaiter only, joint or complete shaft
• Front or rear drive layout and access
• Seized or corroded fixings
• Condition of wheel bearings and suspension parts nearby

Prevent it and know when to act

Gaiters are the weak point: once split, grease escapes and dirt gets in, and a joint can wear out quickly. Looking behind the wheels when the car is serviced or washed can catch a split early.

If the clicking has started or the car is vibrating, have it looked at soon. A joint that fails completely can leave you without drive, and whether a repair option is possible depends on inspection.