AXLE & CV JOINT REPAIRS

CV Axle Inspection services

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind CV Axle Inspection Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

The CV axle is a drive axle located between the drive wheels. Its role is to deliver consistent power to the wheels as they traverse various types of terrain. The CV axle is attached to the wheels by CV joints. The inner CV joints connect the transmission to the CV axle while the outer CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels. The CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels, and deliver power while maintaining a constant velocity. The CV axle assembly—the axle shaft, CV joints, and CV boots—is designed to deliver flexible power to the wheels. This means that the axle is able to transmit required levels of torque to the wheels regardless of the angle of the axle. At first, CV axles were commonly used in front-wheel drive vehicles, but today CV axles are also common in rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Why Should You Have CV Axle Inspection Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

Recognizing potential problems early can help prevent more expensive and expansive repairs on your CV axle. Trouble turning and resistance from tires while maneuvering are signs of CV axle issues. A bad CV axle will emit noise, such as squeaking that increases with speed. Vibrations that increase with speed and vibrating floorboards are also signs that your CV axle should be inspected by our service staff. While an inspection of the CV axle is centered on checking the axle, our inspectors may find problems related to CV joints or CV boots. Because the CV axle components combine into one working assembly, reviewing proper working conditions for all components is extremely important for CV axle maintenance. Our CV axle inspection can help keep major repairs or replacements at bay.

CV Axle Replacement services

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind CV Axle Replacement Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

CV axles were once primarily used on front-wheel drive vehicles. Today, CV axles are common on both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles. The CV axle assembly—the axle shaft, CV joints, and CV boots—is designed to flexibly deliver power to the wheels for a seamless transfer of torque. Located between the drive wheels, the CV axle, along with the suspension system, compensates for irregularities in the road and transmits torque to the wheels while keeping them turning at a constant velocity. The CV axle is attached to the wheels by CV joints. The inner CV joints connect the transmission to the CV axle while the outer CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels. A fully functional CV axle assembly provides your vehicle with safety and stability while supporting passenger comfort through various speeds and driving conditions.

Why Should You Have CV Axle Replacement Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

The CV axle assembly will wear out over time due to the nature of its flexibility and the extreme conditions endured by its components. If the wheels on your car or truck hesitate or you feel resistance while turning, your CV axle may have problems. Sudden pops while turning indicate that your CV axle may need a replacement. When looking for signs that your CV axle needs to be replaced, keep in mind that many symptoms can point to other issues like unaligned wheels or uneven tread wear. Maintaining and replacing other components in your vehicle’s CV axle assembly will keep your entire assembly working as intended and help prevent CV axle replacements. Driving with a damaged CV axle will only worsen other components and lead to more expensive repairs down the road. At the first sign of trouble, contact us for a CV axle replacement service.

CV Boot Replacement services

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind CV Boot Replacement Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

CV joints connect the transmission to the wheels and are an important part of your vehicle’s drive axles. Each drive axle has two CV joints. The inner CV joint connects the transmission to the axle, and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheels. As the vehicle experiences road force, the CV joints move in conjunction with the suspension system while helping the wheels maintain a constant velocity. A CV boot houses a CV joint and protects it by keeping out dirt, debris, and other elements. CV boots are made of rubber or plastic strong enough to withstand the constant bending of the CV joints. The boots also ensure that the CV joints remain lubricated by encapsulating the required amount of lithium moly grease. Without proper lubrication, a CV joint cannot easily adjust to the motion of the wheels. CV boots naturally degrade with age. Inspections can prolong the life of CV joints and prevent costly future repairs or replacements.

Why Should You Have CV Boot Replacement Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

Since your CV boot keeps your CV joint properly lubricated, any splits in the CV boot will lead to a loss of lubrication. The resulting metal on metal contact can wear down your CV joints fairly quickly. You should also note that heat and friction can eventually degrade your CV boot. Because CV boots also keep the area of lubrication clean and prevent any damaging dirt or debris from harming the CV joint, replacing a cracked or torn CV boot as soon as possible is extremely important. Our visual inspection will determine whether or not the boot needs to be replaced. Our CV boot replacement will help the CV joint stay properly lubricated and help ensure proper transfer of motion from the transmission to the wheels. Neglecting regular inspections of the CV boot and accompanying components may lead to more expensive repairs and replacements down the road.

CV Joint Replacement services

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind CV Joint Replacement Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

Your vehicle’s CV joints connect to the drive axles, which connect the transmission to the wheels. The inner CV joint connects the transmission to the axle, and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheels. Because the CV joint links two rotating shafts in a fixed position, it must allow for a range of motion to compensate for road force while keeping the two shafts connected. The CV joint is responsible for transmitting consistent torque to the wheels regardless of the angle of the axle or shaft. The CV joints move with the suspension system to help the wheels maintain a constant velocity through various road forces like bumps and potholes. The CV joint is designed like a ball and socket joint and uses steel balls to move a larger ball enclosed by steel. A CV boot covers the CV joint and helps ensure proper lubrication. CV joints allow for a range of motion while keeping your vehicle’s wheels moving at the same speeds over all types of surfaces.

Why Should You Have CV Joint Replacement Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

As a CV joint loses lubrication, the moving metal parts wear on one another and slowly degrade over time. Noises, vibrations, and loss of acceleration through turns are all signs that a CV joint may require a replacement. Another problem that might lead to a CV joint replacement is your CV boot. The CV boot encases the CV joint to retain the necessary amount of grease to keep the joint lubricated. If the grease leaks, the CV joint will lose the proper amount of lubrication necessary to keep the internal CV joint parts from excessive wear. If you experience the symptoms of a worn or damaged CV joint and the joint is not promptly replaced, the minor issue will cause additional damage to your vehicle and lead more expensive repairs in the future. The cost of replacing your CV joint is cheaper than the major repairs you may face if a faulty CV joint is left untreated.

Driveshaft Balance services

Approx. Time: 120 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind Driveshaft Balance Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

The driveshaft, which is located between your vehicle’s differentials, is responsible for transferring torque and rotation to the drive wheels and other drivetrain components. The driveshaft is tubular with an outer metal housing and an inner metal cylinder that spins at a rotational force determined by engine output. Essentially, the driveshaft tells the wheels to switch from idle to drive. Designed to endure sheer stress and torsion, driveshafts apply forces of motion without adding additional weight or stress to other drivetrain components. Driveshaft components like CV joints, U-joints, and yokes accommodate axial movement and allow for variation in driveline angles and distances between components. Like tires, your driveshaft should be balanced to promote safe operation and prevent failure. We invite you to give us a call or visit when you’re ready to balance your driveshaft.

Why Should You Have Driveshaft Balance Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

For a driveshaft to be properly balanced, the torque coming from the engine and transmission must be equal to the speed at which the shaft spins. Balancing your driveshaft will ensure smooth driveline operation and help prevent the dangerous and destructive effects of an out-of-balance driveshaft. Driveshafts are balanced between a certain speed as indicated by the manufacturer. Failure can occur once the driveshaft reaches critical speed resulting from an unstable amount of RPMs, a rate determined by the length and diameter of the driveshaft. Vibration is the most common indicator of the driveshaft or other rotating components being out of balance. When you begin to feel a vibration coming from your vehicle’s driveshaft, contact us immediately so our staff can diagnose the type of vibrations occurring and determine the correct repair procedure. We pride ourselves on offering superior customer service and expert advice on basic driveshaft maintenance.

U-Joint Replacement services

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind U-Joint Replacement Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

Universal joints, often referred to as u-joints, are flexible couplings that serve an important role on your vehicle. One of the primary duties of a u-joint is to transmit the rotational force between the transmission, the driveshaft, and the differentials, which are responsible for turning your vehicle’s drive wheels. As a critical linking component, a u-joint should be flexible enough to compensate for angle and alignment changes between the driveshaft and differentials. U-joints consist of four legs, or trunnions, that extend from the center cross, or body. The legs are covered with bearing caps and are housed within the yoke, which is designed to pivot and spin as they rotate with the driveshaft. Although many original equipment u-joints are sealed, some aftermarket u-joints are greasable and should be lubricated periodically. Understanding the type of u-joints on your vehicle will help you determine the proper maintenance intervals and decide when a u-joint should be replaced.

Why Should You Have U-Joint Replacement Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

Clicking, squeaking, and grinding noises while driving are warning signs that your u-joints may require replacement. The cost of replacing your u-joint can be cheaper than the major repairs you may face if a worn u-joint is left untreated. Vibrations and rattling noises are key indicators of a faulty u-joint. Grinding noises may be an indication of metal on metal, which will cause u-joints to wear out quickly. Because they are subject to torque and force from the engine, u-joints may bend. On older vehicles, u-joints will rust, adding surface resistance onto the joints, making them less able to turn as they once did. Routine inspections of your u-joints have been known to prevent more expensive repairs. Replacing your u-joints at the first sign of trouble will also help prevent failure in your vehicle’s driveline. When you need new u-joints, give us a call.

Yoke Replacement services

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes      Price Range: Get Quote for Price

The Basics Behind Yoke Replacement Services at Lake City Auto & Tire

Driveshaft yokes are located on the ends of the driveshaft. In most configurations, one yoke connects to the rear of the vehicle while the other yoke reaches into the transmission. The driveshaft sends power from the transmission and turns the differential, which moves the wheels. These connecting components help transfer your vehicle’s rotational energy from the transmission to the moving wheels. Many driveshafts are designed with a slip yoke at one end and an end yoke at the other end. The slip yoke allows for the length of the driveshaft to change with the motion of the suspension system as it reacts to the forces of the road. At the same time, the u-joints allow for changes in angle between the differential and the transmission. These components are designed to be flexible in order to maintain constant speeds and rotational forces between elements of your vehicle’s axle assembly.

Why Should You Have Yoke Replacement Services Performed at Lake City Auto & Tire?

Do you know if one of your yokes needs a replacement? There are some indications. For example, clunking noises are often related to a problem with your vehicle’s yokes. Vibrations felt beneath the floorboard of your vehicle may also be a signal of a damaged yoke. In some cases there may be too much free play or an excessive amount of clearance. Under an excessive amount of stress, a yoke can crack or snap completely. Sometimes, the transmission can twist the yoke. Broken, bent, and twisted yokes should be replaced immediately. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact us today for an inspection of your vehicle’s driveshaft assembly and a possible yoke replacement service.