Many cars send power to the wheels through drive axles with CV (constant velocity) joints at each end. These joints are built to last, but they wear, and a clicking noise when you turn is the usual first sign. C & C Auto inspects CV joints and drive axles and repairs them.
Common reasons to call
- Clicking or popping when turning, especially in tight turns
- A vibration that gets worse when you accelerate
- Grease thrown around the inside of a wheel or along the underside of the car
- A torn or cracked rubber boot on an axle
- A clunk when you go from drive to reverse or back
What we do
- Inspecting CV joints and drive axles for wear and damage
- Repairing CV joints and drive axles based on what the inspection finds
Other driveline work, such as differentials, driveshafts or four-wheel-drive parts, is not listed on this site. Ask when you call.
Inspect first, then repair what is worn
The inspection looks at the CV joints and drive axles for wear and damage, including the rubber boots that hold the grease in. Repair is based on what the inspection finds, and we explain which parts need work.
A sound alone does not say which side or which axle is the problem, so the inspection comes before any repair is discussed. Other driveline work, such as differentials, driveshafts and four-wheel-drive parts, is not listed on this site.
What to tell us when you call
You do not need to know what is wrong. Whatever you can share from this list helps us understand what to look at.
- Year, make and model of the vehicle
- The sound: a click, a pop or a clunk
- Which way you are turning when it happens, and how tight the turn is
- Whether it happens while accelerating, and whether there is a vibration
- Grease spattered inside a wheel or under the car
- A torn or cracked rubber boot, if you can see one
- Front-wheel, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, if you know
How a visit works
- Call (325) 646-6206 and describe what is happening. There is no online booking or form.
- We will set a time to inspect the CV joints and drive axles.
- We will explain what we found and which parts need work.
- Prices and completion times are not listed online. Ask about both when you call, before you decide on any work.
Drive axles and CV joints
A drive axle is driven by the engine. On many front-wheel-drive cars it is split into two half axles, one for each front wheel. A CV joint at the wheel end lets the wheel turn and move with the suspension while it keeps receiving power at a steady speed.
CV joints are covered by a rubber boot that holds their grease in. A torn boot lets the grease out and dirt in, which is a common way for a joint to wear out.
A simple check you can do
In an empty parking lot, drive slowly in tight circles with the windows down. A clicking or cracking sound points to a worn joint. Describe what you hear when you call.
Catching wear early
The rubber boot holds the joint’s grease in, so a torn boot is an early warning. If you can see the boots, look for tears or grease around them.
A joint that keeps clicking tends to get worse, so describe the sound when you call rather than waiting.
CV Axle & Drive Axle Service questions
What does a clicking noise when I turn mean?
A clicking or popping sound in turns is the usual sign of a worn CV joint. It is often louder in tight turns and when accelerating through them.
Is it safe to keep driving with a clicking CV joint?
The noise usually gets worse over time, and a joint that fails completely can leave the car unable to move. Have it looked at soon, and call to describe the sound before you drive in.
What does a torn CV boot mean?
The rubber boot holds grease around the joint. When it tears, grease flies out and dirt gets in, which wears the joint quickly. Grease spattered inside a wheel or along the underside is a sign to have it checked.
Is a drive axle the same as a CV axle?
Often, yes. On many front-wheel-drive cars the drive axle has a CV joint at each end, so the terms get used for the same part. Describe your vehicle when you call and we can tell you what applies.