CV axle stands for constant velocity axle. It is an essential connector of a car and transfers power to the wheel. It is important to apply constant velocity joint lubricant at standard intervals for smooth working.
Learning the right approach to greasing a CV axle is a good idea while you’re replacing CV joints or boots. In this article, you will get a complete guide about how to grease CV axle. Check out the article below for a detailed understanding.
Function of CV Axle in Car
A CV axle takes power from the car’s transmission and transfers it to the car’s wheels. The vehicle moves forward because of a good CV axle. Another name used for this is a half shaft. It is a crucial component of your car. Any problem in this area can cause significant problems in the vehicle. So it is essential to keep a proper check and identify a bad CV joint in its initial stages so that you cannot face any trouble later on.
In case the stuck CV axle of your car becomes highly damaged, the CV joints will turn out to be loose and clack while accelerating or turning. The sound of the click gets louder or more definite during faster and sharper turns and will cause a lot of disturbance.
It can also stop the car from moving in the forward direction. Any problem in the outer joint of the car will cause spin and will not allow the car to move correctly from one place to another. It is essential to take all the necessary measures on time to manage things well.
Why does CV Axle need to be greased?
The constant velocity boot is typically made up of stretchy rubber. Exposure to cooling or heat can cause the constant velocity joint boot to fail. Keep in mind that the leakage of CV axle grease can cause different issues in your vehicle.
While replacing a constant velocity boot, you must remove all the old grease and replace it with the new one. A CV joint grease is also crucial in rebuilding processes, such as substituting an axle stump with a wrecked wheel pace sensor tone ring or substituting a constant velocity joint.
How to grease CV axle?
Here in this section, you will get a complete step-by-step guide about how to grease CV Axle. Before discussing the steps, let’s check out the ways of doing it. There are different ways of CV boot grease. A few of them are listed below:
1.) Wasted boot
In case the boot is shrunken, you will require a couple of packages of CV joint grease along with a CV boot clamp. One can get both universal and individual CV boot clamps at their convenience. You need to unlock the cover carefully and drag the Boot back in such a case.
The next job is to scoop or draw all the old grease into a slam while performing grease through an axle. Once the joint gets dry, eliminate the axle to clean the joint properly, including a new clamp and grease the Boot with a small grease gun. But in case the joint is not completely dry, put in some packet of grease and mount a new clamp.
2.) If you require a New CV joint for your Vehicle
Spotting a problem in a CV joint is not a difficult job to perform. One can easily spot and understand when there is a need to replace the CV joint completely with a new one. In such a case, you require a new axle or a substitution of a CV joint. If you do not have an appropriate CV joint on hand, get yourself a new one.
Keep in your mind that finding the CV joint of some new or rare vehicle is not an easy job to perform. It isn't easy to get the CV parts of a new or rare vehicle. There is no need to utilize CV grease in the case of remanufactured constant velocity axles, as they come all set for installation.
3.) Torn Boot
It is important to get a CV boot kit to manage things properly if the boot is torn. You require a proper kit specially prepared for the outer or inner boot if the kit doesn’t comprise both. In such a case, you need to get rid of the axle, disassemble it and then clean it properly.
If you do not have the proper equipment for washing the parts, consider using a degreaser, bucket, and brush, as all such things can help you eliminate any grease residue.
Once you are done with the washing step, the next thing is to air dry, rinse and reconstruct all the components one by one in a proper way.
Steps to replace cv axles for greasing
Here in this section, you will get a complete step-by-step guide to replacing the two CV joint axles. These steps are as follows:
Step 1:
The first step is to disconnect the vehicle's battery properly and allow the penetrating oil to infuse into any retaining bolts.
Step 2:
After this, move all the brake lines and other barriers out of the way of wrenches to manage things well.
Step 3:
Once you are done with the above steps, the next thing is to lose the strut top mounts and control bar end link bushings to provide deferral travel for easier axle removal quickly.
Step 4:
After this, carefully loosen and remove the axle mounting bolts on the wheel side.
Step 5:
You must break up the axle from the wheel completely in this step. Properly manage the oil seal and save them from getting damaged.
Step 6:
The following job is to softly pull, meddle or otherwise release the axle from the show. Avoid bending the axle seals. Be watchful not to slit the transmission oil seals.
Step 7:
The next function is to c-clip on both axles.
Step 8:
Do not forget to transmit any ABS rings, axle seals, or other parts to the stand-in axles.
Step 9:
Direct the stand-in CV joint axle into place. The axle should clack tightly in place depending upon the type of retainer.
Step 10:
Always use the right and correct torque on the axle bolts. Do not forget to check the rotation of the axle. Reassemble all the dismantled parts accurately.
You can easily replace the two CV joint axles by following these steps without any difficulty.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, the constant velocity joint boots help keep contaminants out and grease in the CV joint. It helps in protecting your axle and gives proper alignment to your car’s wheels.
It is vital to use the correct approach of greasing a CV axle while replacing the CV joints. In this article, you will get a complete step-by-step guide about greasing CV axles. Check out the guide above to get a detailed insight.
FAQ’s
1.) What kind of grease should I use for CV joints?
Consider using a 2/3 NLGI consistency number. The NLGI number is written on the package. You can confirm it before making a purchase.
2.) Is Lithium Grease OK for CV joints?
Yes, Lithium Grease is suggested for use in constant velocity joints, bearings, and assemblies of different industrial pieces of equipment and vehicles.
3.) Do you need to grease CV axle splines?
While setting up a CV shaft into a bearing center assembly, you need to clean properly the shaft using a wire brush and remove all the dirt.
4.) Is Moly grease better than regular grease?
Yes, a Moly grease is better and addictive than a regular one.