Notices

CV joint - how do you know when to replace?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 27, 2005 | 11:24 AM
  #1  
loudfords's Avatar
loudfords
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 5
From: Beachville, Ontario
Club FTE Silver Member

Question CV joint - how do you know when to replace?

This question pertains more to my Focus....but I know that some of the trucks and SUVs use CV joints too.

How do you know when CV joints need replacing? How much play should there be? I understand that new ones will have some play. How much mileage can you get (in general) out of CV joints?
 
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2005 | 12:50 PM
  #2  
Hooker Bob's Avatar
Hooker Bob
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Duncan,OK
Generaly if the boots are in good shape and the joint is not making any noise, They should last the life of the vehicle. Most trouble comes from the boots going bad then drit gets in. I've seen afew complete failure but this was due to misuse like hard accelleration with the wheels turned sharp or spinning the tires on gravel or ice then hitting the pavement. Although it's not common practice you could replace the boots and clean and repack the joints at PM. This would make the joint last longer and give you a heads up on any ware there you have.

Pat
 
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2005 | 12:53 PM
  #3  
RangerRuss's Avatar
RangerRuss
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, CA
If you were to jack up the drive wheels your Focus there should be no more than about 1/8 turn of the wheel/tire assembly before you can feel the joint fully engage. More than that is highly suspect.


Russ
 
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2005 | 01:50 PM
  #4  
loudfords's Avatar
loudfords
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 5
From: Beachville, Ontario
Club FTE Silver Member

It's also true that a CV joint will make noise when turning corners if it's on its way out, right?

I just have a random clunk in the front end, did some research and it seems that sway bar end links and/or mounts can go bad and cause this. Also seems that some struts are failing prematurely. I checked my CV joints last night, and there didn't seem to be much play in them.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
maxum2550
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
1
Mar 14, 2016 07:04 PM
78 PEB
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Mar 31, 2014 06:53 AM
stevebigos
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
1
Nov 17, 2013 09:17 AM
fitzy67
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
5
Apr 26, 2010 11:51 AM
9explorer8
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Jul 26, 2008 07:57 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:25 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE