CV Joint

Another part you may only see or hear about when it goes bad, the CV, or Constant Velocity Joints are flexible couplings between two shafts that allows each shaft to keep the same driving speed regardless of angle.

The joints are primarily on front wheel drive cars. They connect the axles coming out of the transmission to the front wheels.

Similar to a drive shaft, they flex because the front suspension moves up and down depending on road conditions, and more in and out because the front wheel turn when you turn the steering wheel.

CV joints are filled with thick grease inside an accordion looking rubber boots. These boots tend to tear as they get older ad the grease leaks out. If they go dry, this can cause grinding or clinking noises in the front end when accelerating or turning.