Bad CV Joint vs Bad Wheel Bearing: What’s the Difference?

bad-CV-joint-vs-bad-wheel-bearing

When it comes to car problems, there are a few things more frustrating than not being able to identify the issue. You know there’s something wrong, but you’re not sure what it is. Is it the CV joint? The wheel bearing? If only you could tell which one was bad! In this article, we will compare the symptoms of a bad CV joint vs a bad wheel bearing as well as the difference so that you can be better equipped to deal with car trouble.

Keep reading the article to learn more about:

-What is a CV joint

-What is a wheel bearing

-Similarities of Wheel bearing and CV joints

-Differences between CV joints and wheel bearing

-Symptoms of a bad CV joint and wheel bearing

-How to tell if its a bad CV joint or wheel bearing

-How to fix a CV joint and a wheel bearing

To kick start our topic first let’s get to know what a CV joint and a wheel bearing are:

What is a CV joint?

A CV joint is a type of joint that is used in many front-wheel drive vehicles. It helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels while also allowing for a certain amount of movement. The CV joint is encased in a rubber boot that helps to protect it from dirt and debris.

What is a wheel bearing?

A wheel bearing is a type of bearing that is used in many vehicles. It helps to support the weight of the vehicle as well as keep the wheels in place. The wheel bearing is usually found in the hub of the wheel.

Similarities between a CV joint and Wheel bearing

-Both are essential parts of a car

-Both can experience wear and tear over time

-Both can cause problems if they are not working properly

Differences between a CV joint and Wheel bearing

  1. A CV joint is located in the shaft that goes from the engine to the wheels while a wheel bearing is located in the hub of the wheel.
  2. CV joints help to transfer power and allow for movement while wheel bearings keep the wheels in place.
  3. CV joints are typically made out of steel or iron while wheel bearings can be made out of steel, iron, or ceramic.
  4. CV joints are protected by a rubber boot while wheel bearings are not.

What are the symptoms of a bad CV joint?

Several symptoms can indicate a problem with the CV joint. These include:

1. A clicking noise when turning

The first symptom of a bad CV joint is the clicking sound your car makes when you turn. This happens when the balls and sockets in the joint start to wear out or degrade and causes the CV joint to move in and out of its socket.

2. A popping noise when accelerating

Another symptom of a bad cv joint is a popping noise that occurs when you accelerate. This is caused by the CV joint being unable to transfer power properly and thus causes the popping sound.

3. Vibration in the steering wheel

If you experience vibration in your steering wheel, it could be due to a problem with the CV joint. This is caused by the CV joint being unbalanced.

4. A feeling of tightness in the steering

Again, when you have a bad CV joint, you realize it while driving. This time, you’ll feel a tightness in the steering. It’s caused by the CV joint not being able to move as freely as it should.

5. Difficulty turning

Finally, a symptom of a bad CV joint is how difficult it will feel when you are turning your wheel, This is because a CV joint makes it hard to turn when it’s not working properly.

What are the symptoms of bad wheel bearing?

Several symptoms can indicate a problem with the wheel bearing. These include:

1. A humming noise when driving

The first symptom of a bad wheel bearing is a humming noise that occurs when you drive. This is caused by the wheel bearing being unbalanced.

2. A grinding noise when turning

Another symptom of a bad wheel bearing is a grinding noise that occurs when you turn. This is caused by the wheels not turning smoothly.

3. Vibration in the car

If you experience vibration in your car, it could be due to a problem with the wheel bearing. This is caused by the wheel bearing being unbalanced.

4. A feeling of looseness in the steering

Again, when you have a bad wheel bearing, you realize it while driving. This time, you’ll feel a looseness in the steering. It’s caused by the wheel bearing not being able to support the weight of the car properly.

5. Difficulty turning

The final symptom of a bad wheel bearing is how difficult it will feel when you are turning your wheel. This is because a bad wheel bearing makes it hard to turn when it’s not working properly.

How to tell if it’s a CV joint or Wheel Bearing?

There are several ways that you can tell if it’s a CV joint or wheel bearing.

1. Noise

The first way is to listen to the noise your car is making. If you hear a clicking noise when turning, it’s most likely a CV joint. If you hear a humming noise when driving, it’s most likely a wheel bearing.

2. Vibration

The second way is to feel for vibration in the steering wheel or car. If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel, it’s most likely a CV joint. If you feel a vibration in the car, it’s most likely a wheel bearing.

3. Difficulty in Turning

The third way is to look at how difficult it is to turn the wheel. If you find that it’s hard to turn the wheel, it’s most likely a CV joint but if you find that it’s hard to turn the wheel and there’s also a humming noise, then it’s most likely a wheel bearing.

How to fix a CV joint?

If you have a bad CV joint, there are several things that you can do to fix it.

  1. The first thing is to replace the boot. This will protect the CV joint from dirt and debris.
  2. The second thing is to grease the CV joint. This will help to lubricate the cv joint and make it easier to move.
  3. The third thing is to replace the CV joint itself. This should be done by a qualified mechanic.

How to fix a wheel bearing?

If you have a bad wheel bearing, there are also several things that you can do to fix it.

  1. The first thing is to clean the area around the wheel bearing. This will allow for better access when working on the wheel bearing.
  2. The second thing is to remove the old wheel bearing and install a new one. This should be done by a qualified mechanic.
  3. The third thing is to lubricate the new wheel bearing. This will help to keep it from becoming unbalanced.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, then it’s time to take your car in for a checkup. A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose whether it’s a bad CV joint or a bad wheel bearing and advise you on the best course of action.

Final Thought

The main difference between a bad CV joint and a bad wheel bearing is the location. The CV joint is located in the shaft that goes from the engine to the wheels while the wheel bearing is located in the hub of the wheel.

Additionally, the symptoms of a bad CV joint and a bad wheel bearing can be similar, but there are also some differences. For example, a bad CV joint may cause a clicking noise when turning while a bad wheel bearing may cause a humming noise.

If you’re having trouble with your car, it’s important to take it to a mechanic so they can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road.

Do you have any questions about bad CV joints or bad wheel bearings? You can send us an email! We’re always happy to help.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends! Thanks for reading!

Gideon Ansah Baffour

Hello, passionate reader My name is GIDEON BAFFOUR ANSAH. There are a lot of things in this world that I love. My family, my friends, dogs, video games, and of course – everything with engines. It has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. There is just something about them that makes me happy. I've been blazing up the trails and immersing myself in this wonderful hobby turned career and on this website, I'm excited each day to share everything I've learned and continue to learn a day in day out.

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