Checking axle drives, CV joints and covers

1. Axle drives, SHRUS and covers should be checked regularly and also when lifting the car. The most common symptom of failure of an axle drive or CV joint is knocking and clicking when cranking.

2. Raise the vehicle and place it securely on stands.

3. Inspect the CV joint boots for leakage cracks the integrity of the locking belt If the lubricant leaks through a hole or crack in the boot, the CV joint should be replaced. Replace damaged covers immediately (section 9). When replacing the CV joint boot, you should disassemble, clean, check and reassemble the joint itself to make sure that it is not dirty and will not fail because of this.

4. Check each of the axles along their entire length to make sure they are not damaged.

5. Holding the CV joint by the cover, grab the axle and rotate it in both directions - excessive mobility will indicate wear on the splines or slack in the hinge itself.

6. If the boot is damaged or loose, remove the axle drives as instructed in section 8. Disassemble and check the CV joint as outlined in section 9.