2000 Subaru Forester

TSCHELBLE

MEMBER
2000 SUBARU FORESTER

Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
2000 Subaru Forester Front Wheel Drive Automatic 80000 miles

I replaced my cv axle on both sides about a year ago and my car seems to be doing the same thing it did when I replaced those-crunchy feeling when I try to turn my steering wheel. I was wondering how often do these need to be replaced since I rarely drive but around town for errands? In all my years of driving some 40 years I never had a car need cv joints and now I'm wondering why I would need them again already and if I don't what might be causing my steering to sometimes but not always be hard to turn.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi:
CV joints are similar to u-joint in that they are made to move in different directions. Like u-joints, they are lubericated with grease. However, CV joints are greased then a rubber boot is placed over them to keep dirt and other contaminates out of the joint. It is not uncommon for a boot to rip and the grease to escape and allow dirt to enter the joint. As a result, the joint will wear out prematurely.

Always have the boots checked when having an oil change. It will take the tech 10 seconds to make sure they are good.

Also, a sign that the joints are bad is a clicking when turning the wheels sharply in one direction or the other.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe