Signs of a Nissan Altima with a CV Joint Problem
At M & R Automotive, near Atherton, CA, we routinely inspect Nissan Altimas with suspected CV joints and front axle issues. Each front wheel has a constant velocity joint which provides power to the front wheels as the suspension moves and the steering changes direction.
Over time the CV joints can start to suffer wear and tear, which might manifest as clicking noises when you turn and loose steering problems. As it gets worse, you might notice grease leaks and strange vibrations in the steering wheel when you accelerate.
Left unchecked, a bad CV joint like this can cause serious front axle damage. Yet many of these symptoms could also be other faults such as a bad tie rod, or suspension problems. To get a better idea if it’s really a problem with the Nissan Altima’s CV joint, you have to pay attention to how symptoms occur together.
A repetitive clicking or popping sound during low-speed turns is a common sign of a bad CV joint. Early on, you’re more likely to notice it when pulling into a parking space or making a tight turn at an intersection with the windows rolled down.
The clicking sound might become louder the sharper you turn the steering wheel. However, a single unusual sound does not automatically confirm a problem with your Nissan Altima’s constant velocity joints.
Grease and caked-on grime on the axle on the back side of a wheel is another strong sign of a CV joint problem. Each joint has a protective rubber boot to keep grease in while keeping dirt and moisture out. Over time the rubber of the boot cracks, tears or separates from its mounting point, allowing grease to escape and gravel to enter.
This simple failure of the CV boot can even be the root cause of the CV joint problem. Sometimes if it’s caught early enough, we might be able to replace the boot without making major repairs or replacing part of the front axle.
A Nissan Altima with a badly worn CV joint or damaged axle may produce a shudder or vibration when you accelerate. You typically feel it through the steering wheel, but it might also vibrate the floor when you press the accelerator.
A CV joint this badly degraded needs professional attention as it could cause several drivetrain and suspension problems. Not to mention problems with wheel imbalance, tire wear, and stressing engine mounts.
When you bring your Nissan Altima in for an inspection, our technicians will assess the state of each CV joint, the front axle and suspension system. Be sure to let them know about any other symptoms you’ve noticed.
If it’s caught early, we might be able to replace the protective boot or simply replace one of the faulty CV joints. In a more extreme case, we might have to replace both CV joints and the front trans-axles.
If you’ve been noticing a clicking sound when turning, strange vibrations when accelerating or other signs of a bad CV joint in your Nissan Altima, call M & R Automotive to schedule an appointment. We’ll inspect both constant velocity joints, the front axle and any related components, to help you understand what needs to be repaired or replaced.
