How a CV Axle Works
2,549,088
Published 2017-07-13
The constant velocity axle links the rotational motion of the transmission to the hub and thus turns the car's wheels. Generally, CV axles are used on the front of FWD or AWD cars on vehicles with independent suspension.
The main advantage of the CV axle is that it allows for a very high degree of articulation, while still rotating its input and output shafts at the same speed. This is ideal for the front wheels which move up and down with the suspension, and turn sideways to steer.
The inner CV joint consists of a sliding tripod housing, that allows the axle to extend or contract. Inside, a carrier with needle bearings holds 3 rollers that allow for a small degree of swing. The carrier looks like a fidget spinner.
The outer CV joint does not telescope, however it has a very large degree of articulation, which is needed near the steering axis. It consists of an inner bearing race, a carrier, and the outer race or housing. the bearings are allowed to pivot about the central axis, but cannot rotate - allowing for constant rotation to be transferred from the input to output.
Rubber boots cover each CV joint and are typically packed with grease. Interestingly, the grease types appear different for each joint. Boot failure is the major cause of worn CV axles, once dirt enters the system and causes excessive wear.
This axle was disassembled from a 2001 Toyota Corolla and opened up to see what's inside and how it works.
To clean up grease messes, you can source Hanes underwear here (if you can't steal some):
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All Comments (21)
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To clean up grease messes, you can source Hanes underwear here (if you can't steal some): amzn.to/2xBqIGh (US) amzn.to/2YxryzV (Canada)
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No crazy introductory music, no life story, no side story, right to the point. Thank you.
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I worked at CVJ manufacturer in Korea. He knows exact name of each part. And his explanation is perfect. Thanks for a good video.
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NO BULLSHIT, FAST TALK, SIMPLE WORDS, NO FILLER, QUIRKY JOKES, IN DEPTH BREAKDOWN??? this is one great video!!!
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It's crazy cuz I went into this video not knowing a single thing about what a CV axle is or why it's even called a CV axle and I learned much more than I asked for!!!
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I really appreciate the right to the point way you made this. No stupid jokes or weird music. I've always wanted to know how the cv joint worked, now I know, thank you, Sir!
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In a world full over over detailed prolonged youtube videos, you, sir, have done what alot of others need to do.Focus on the short attention span of the viewer. You don't over detail, its short precise and straight up. An awesome video. I will be subscribing and looking to you when i need an explanation on similar topics A+
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Once I heard “My Brothers Underwear” I immediately subscribed
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Your videos are outstanding. I'm enjoying learning how things work by someone who has a good engineering knowledge. I haven't had the courage to dismantle a CV joint!
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I love your sense of humor and knowledge of terminology and workings of each peice. It's very impressive!
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This, and your other videos are fantastic. Diving right in, tearing things apart to their most basic level, and thoroughly identifying each component as you go. Your brother should be proud that his undergarments have the honor of appearing in such high-quality demonstrations! Thank you!
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Great explanation, no buggering around. Good job
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Thanks for this! It makes a lot more sense to see it live rather than pictures.
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I love how you don't waste our time by being concise and to the point. Well done man...well done!
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Excellent video! To the point demonstration without wasting the end-user's time. Thanks a lot mate.
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Thanks for the simple and straight forward explanation of the CV joint. Cheers!
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Thanks to your videos, I really appreciate driving my car much more since I am more aware of what is working to move it.
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These videos really are a treasure. Great explanation and visuals while keeping it concise. Thanks for keeping these coming!
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Balls of steel!
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An excellent presentation on CV Joints. There is a lot more to them than I imagined but your video makes short work of it. Thank you.
