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Front wheel drive cars need u-joints which not only allow up and down
motion, but steering motion as well. the angle at which they turn
requires a different design than the standard U-joint.
Constant velocity, or CV joints are universal joints that are able to
transfer torque at large angles efficiently. These joints transfer
power very smoothly. They are comprised of four basic parts: 1. The
outer section, which has grooves machined on its inner surface, 2.
the bearings, which are usually in a "cage", 3. the inner ball, which
has grooves on its outer surface for the bearings to ride in, and 4.
a rubber boot to protect the unit from dirt and moisture.
A common cause of CV joint failure is cracks in the CV boot. As dirt
enters the CV joint, its parts grind themselves until a clicking
noise is heard when turning, or until they fail completely. The boots
should be replaced as soon as cracking is visible in their rubber
folds.
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