CV JOINTS

While 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive increase in popularity, front-wheel drive vehicles are still very popular, and they all have have constant-velocity joints (or CV joints). These are the main connection between the transmission and the drive wheels. CV joints allow a drive shaft to transmit power through variable angle at a constant rotational speed, without an appreciable increase in friction. In other words, one horsepower goes in one end, one horsepower comes out the other end.

The first constant-velocity joint was introduced in the 17th century. This was a very primitive design but the same theory of what we use today. As front wheel drive systems became more popular the need for refined designs became necessary. In 1927 a man named Alfred Rzeppa filed a patent for what is the most popularly used design we see in automobiles today which is very efficient and durable. No regular maintenance is required for these joints but regular inspections should be made to check for tears in the protective rubber boots that cover the joint. A simple inspection can insure these critical parts stay in good operating condition. If replacement is necessary the CV joints we offer have a lifetime warranty.