How to Diagnose CV Joints Failure and Repair Options

The CV joint in the cars are inspected during your annual inspection and is one of the most important functioning part of your car. If there is damage to the boot that protects the CV joint and Ranger Razor Axles, it is only a matter of time before dirt and contamination attract enter the boot and the CV joint becomes damaged as it dries out as the lubrication provided by the boot grease is insufficient.I've heard people say to replace the CV half shaft and others say CV joint. What's the difference?There are couple of options depending on the severity of the damage to the outer CV joint. The CV half shaft has the outer CV joint on one side and the inner CV joint on the other side which attaches to your transmission system. The inner joint rarely fails in comparison to the outer. Therefore most of the repairs are done for the outter CV joint and boot, without having to replace the entire CV shaft which leave you about $300 dollars poor for a original factory part.

What are my options for repair if I have symptoms of CV joint damage?

You have the option of replacing the entire CV axle half shaft or repair the boot along with the outter CV joint if necessary.. Outter CV joint and kit costs about hundred of dollars few of companies like American CV Store offers and involved the same procedure as when changing the CV boot alone as the joint has to be detached in both cases. If there is only a CV boot damage with no signs of failure, replace only the CV boot which will only cost $20 for the kit.

Checking CV joint failure

Get in your car and pull down both windows. As you make turns listen for loud clicking sounds from either side which will indicate a failing CV joint.

So what are the repercussions of driving with a failed CV joint?

When the CV joint fails, it will only be a matter of time before the ball joints break loose and the CV shaft will fall loose, resulting in the wheels failing to move. But why take a chance at being stranded in the middle of the highway when you can have it fixed in no time.

What You Should Know About Atv Cv Joints

What is a CV Joint? A CV joint is an abbreviation for a constant velocity joint. A CV joint is part of a drive shaft that attaches to the ATV's transmission at one end and the wheel at the other. They are designed to be able to bend in any direction while continuing to turn the wheels at a constant velocity. No matter what vehicle you drive, these joints make sure the inner workings or your ride are smooth and provide a calm driving experience. It is important to protect the CV joints at all times.

How Often do they Need to be Replaced?

Auto lovers, ATV lovers and UTV lovers alike, care about their machines and know the importance of replacing parts to maintain optimal performance. There are only a few instances where a CV joint would need to be replaced. In most cases, through normal wear and tear they simply get old and lose their function.A total breakdown for an ATV CV joint is not common, so with some simple knowledge you will have the ability to recognize when there is a problem and have enough time to replace it while your vehicle is still running.

How Do I Know if it Has Failed?

Two things that are important to remember: one is bad grease and another is loss of lubrication. These are both indications that your joint is failing. When you are driving and move into a turn and you hear a clicking sound, it most likely means your CV joint is worn out. The way to further confirm this is to put your car in reverse and drive backwards in a circle. If the sound seems louder as you do this, it means you will need to replace the damaged CV joint as soon as possible.

How do I Replace it?

It's more cost effective to replace the entire deteriorating axel assembly than just replacing the CV joint. 

ATVs most commonly come with a fully equipped axle assembly, this includes the CV joints and CV boots. The boots encase the ATV CV joint, protecting it from outside debris and are vital for the entire assembly to function properly. The axle assembly and the CV boots can also get damaged by road debris and other contaminants such as mud, which builds up in the undercarriage of the ATV. Proper care must be taken in order to avoid such problems.

 

Honda CV Joint

Polaris Scrambler 500 Specs

 
The Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4 is an all-terrain vehicle, or ATV, produced by Polaris Industries, a firm based in Medina, Minnesota. The 2011 Polaris Scrambler 500 is equipped with a 498cc high-output engine and can be automatically switched from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode when necessary. The vehicle also features an automatic transmission.

Powertrain

A 498 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine comes standard on the 2011 Polaris Scrambler 500. The ATV also comes with an On-Demand True all-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive drive system.

Physical Measurements and Capacities

The 2011 Polaris Scrambler 500 features a 48.5-inch wheelbase and is 75 inches long, 45 inches wide and 49 inches high. The ground clearance is 4.75 inches and the seat is 35 inches high. It weighs 559 pounds. The 2011 Polaris Scrambler 500 has a 4-gallon fuel tank. The vehicle is equipped with a hitch, which can tow up to 850 pounds of weight.

Other Specifications

This vehicle has a MacPherson strut front suspension with an 8.2-inch travel, and a progressive-rate swingarm rear suspension with a 10.5-inch travel. The ATV features four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with a hydraulic rear foot brake. It is equipped with stamped steel wheels, and 23 x 8-12 front tires, and 22 x 11-10 rear tires.

Polaris Scrambler 500

Maintaining a Honda CV Joint

In a very general sense, maintaining a Honda CV Joint is very similar to maintaining any piece of mechanical equipment. Just follow the basics and everything else falls into place. This post will offer readers some tips that will help them in keeping the joint in optimal pristine condition.
 

•    Inspect the Honda CV Joint Regularly
 

The best way to maintain anything is to keep inspecting it on a regular basis. ATV and Automotive parts are the same way. Inspecting the Joint from time to time will keep the owner fully informed of its condition.
 

•    Keep it Clean Under the Chassis
 

Believe it or not, a filthy chassis is the root of all evil when it comes to mechanical disasters. Always keep your vehicle clean both inside and out including underneath the chassis. Keeping the area under the hood clean will remove any dirty or dusty particles as well as mud that could be harboring dangerous particles.
 

•    Use Lube Accordingly
 

Make sure that the lube quantity required to the keep the CV joint and boots is available in sufficient quantity. Watch out for any leaks originating from or around the joint. Should you spot one, immediately take your vehicle to an authorized mechanic and have it fixed. This approach is much better than ignoring the problem altogether which can result in a more severe and costly expenditure.
 

These are very common tips that anyone can use to make the most out of their CV Joint. These tips do not specifically apply to Honda models. Anyone can use them on any type of vehicle. When it comes to mechanical instruments, it is always best to put safety ahead of fun. 

Resource: American cv Store

Original ATV Boots Vs Generic

Generic parts are very common in the automotive industry and very popular among car enthusiasts. The choice between generic ATV boots and original manufacture parts depends completely on the person purchasing it. Each approach has its fair share of benefits and drawbacks. Here we will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of both with the intention of helping ATV users make the right decision for their ATV.

Quality of ATV Boots - Visibly Noticeable

The standard of quality between both original and generic will be quite visible upon inspection. Original ATV boots will reflect the quality that the manufacture stands for. The generic ones although reliable will not live up to the standard of quality exhibited by ATV boots that come directly from the original manufacturer. If you are prefer quality and not afraid to pay for it, choose original manufacture ATV boots.

The Cost Factor - Most Important

Cost is a very important factor to consider when making any kind of purchase. Generic parts have a clear and distinct advantage over original boots when it comes to cost because they are available in abundance and at almost half the price of the original. This is the sole reason for their immense popularity. Users are more inclined to opt for generic parts as ATVs get older and/or start to accumulate a lot of mileage. Many regard investing in expensive parts counterproductive at this point.

Warranty Issues - Risky Business

Warranty on automotive parts is always a big concern among ATV enthusiasts. Original manufactures typically provide solid warranty packages with their products ranging from a few years to lifetime. If that product malfunctions or turns out to be defective, the manufacture will immediately replace it with a new one at no expense to the owner. Generic parts come with a warranty as well. However their warranty is only valid for a handful of months.

This makes it sort of a gamble and again it comes down to the intended use of the ATV. For relatively newer models or those with low mileage, its best to go for the original parts that come with a lifetime warranty. Otherwise generic boots should be fine.

Can't Decide? Ask Your ATV

Before deciding on which type of ATV boot to purchase, one should go over a few details of their ATV. How many miles does it have on it? How much is it used and how aggressively? What year is it? These are all important questions that will help answer many user queries.

The CV boots are an integral component of any ATV and given the vigorous use they are put through, a 

general rule of thumb is to purchase original top quality ATV boots that come with the standard warranty. But if you are a passive user or if the ATV doesn't have much of a shelf life left, generic would be the best and obvious choice for you.

 Resource: Ezine Article