How to Check C.V Joint Problems on a Test Drive when Buying a Private Car
by: Craig Jones
Your senses are the key tools on a test drive when buying a private car and in this article I’m going to show you how to check a clicking noise when you turn a corner.This can save you a lot of money…time…and headaches when buying a used car also you don’t need to know anything about cars so lets get started.
When buying a private car it does not have to feel like you are walking through a minefield because you are scared of making the wrong buying decision.Test driving the car is an absolute must on how to buy the right car without a mechanic inspecting it. On front-wheel-drive vehicles (engine drives the front wheels) a clicking noise when turning a corner is frequently heard.This clicking noise usually comes from the C.V joints (Constant Velocity Joints)There are four C.V joints in total each attached to both the inner and outer ends of both the right and left axles on most front wheel drive passenger cars.
To check the condition of the CV joints drive the vehicle slowly in a circle both clockwise and anticlockwise gradually increasing speed to place more load (weight) on the axles.If you hear a clicking noise when turning in a clockwise direction it usually indicates C.V joint problems on the left axle because the vehicle transfers load to the left axle and C.V joints making both outer and inner joints work harder especially the outer C.V joint (closest to the wheel).The same principal applies if you hear a clicking noise when turning in an anticlockwise direction which usually indicates C.V joint problems on the right axle because the vehicle transfers load to the right axle and C.V joints.
Premature wear of C.V joints is also a problem usually caused by the C.V joint boot splitting.The C.V joint boot holds the grease and protects the C.V joint from dirt and grit.If the car is not regularly serviced the split C.V joint boot can go unnoticed causing premature failure of the C.V joint.The C.V joint boots usually have a service life of around 100,000km before the C.V joint boot starts to crack and split.
It was a common practice to remove and replace C.V joints and boots individually on each axle shaft but these days it’s more economical and beneficial to purchase exchange axles(Drive-shafts) which have reconditioned C.V joints and new boots so the labor charge is a lot less because the mechanic just removes the existing axle from the car and replaces it with the exchanged axle and because you are giving your old complete axle to the company where you got the reconditioned one it works out cheaper.
If you hear this clicking noise it does not mean you should not buy the car.If you are satisfied with the other checks that you have made on the car you can then use the CV joint problem as a negotiating tool with the seller.Find out how much an exchanged C.V joint drive shaft/axle shaft would be by simply calling a car parts retailer and getting a price.Remember C.V joints are a serviceable item like brake pads and tires meaning they all wear out at some stage so make sure you negotiate the price to factor in the repair cost.Another good tip when buying a private car is to get the car serviced by your mechanic after you buy it.This will give you peace of mind so factor in the service cost as well when negotiating the purchase price.
Please note: This article is provided as a guide only and should not be used as a substitution for a detailed vehicle inspection by a qualified mechanic.
About The Author: Thanks for reading! Please visit my blog and you can get more articles on “How to do a car check without getting your hands dirty” Also discover my FREE report and FREE resources on “How to Buy the Right Car Without A Mechanic and Pay Trade Price” just click on “Buying A Private Car” image on the right hand side of my blog. Safe motoring and see you on my blog. The author invites you to visit: http://buyingaprivatecar.blogspot.com
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