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What is the homokinetic joint and what are the signs that will require replacement?

The homokinetic joint is an organ capable of transmitting traction from the axles to the driving wheels of a car in such a way that the latter can turn to the right and the left (steering phases), favoring the oscillation of the shock absorber.

What is the homokinetic joint and what are the signs that will require replacement?

The homokinetic joint is welded to the plate which in turn supports the disk and wheel thanks to a central notched nut in the part of the pin that joins the plate towards the outside of the wheel. Some models of homokinetic joints have a toothed ring useful for optimal ABS operation.

The constant velocity joint is locked on the axle shaft by a metal seal ring. A detailed section of a homokinetic joint are listed below: homokinetic ball joint, elastic ring, transmission shaft, bushing for sealing ring, oil seal, flange, tripod joint retaining ring, tripod joint, sealing ring.

The duration of the homokinetic joint depends on the degree of lubrication that the internally rotating steel balls receive. Usually, the grease is applied with quite thick black grease, protected by a conical rubber cap that has the purpose of blocking it to prevent it from coming out and entering mud, water, debris, soil, dust, and other debris.

What are the signs that require the homokinetic joint replacement?

A damaged constant velocity joint shows signs of wear when you begin to hear clicking noises under the steering wheel, just as if the axle shaft should come out of its seat at any moment. This happens because the balls placed inside the cup begin to make fun. Noise (in jargon is called popping) as it tends to give greater concern; you can also feel a vibration that affects the steering, or even, you can see a real hopping of the wheel during acceleration or steering (signal quite dangerous).

To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to periodically check the protective rubber caps and verify their operation. Furthermore, turning the steering wheel it is advisable to check that there are no cuts or broken clamps. To ensure that the component works perfectly, you must avoid the risk of locking the wheels, which can damage the constant-velocity joint. A very useful tip is to park the car always with straight wheels, so as to have both steering and shock absorber in the same direction.

To be sure that the CV joint is defective, go to an empty parking lot, which has ample space. Engage the reverse gear, then turn the steering wheel and continue in this direction, taking care to listen to any noise emitted by the car. Do the same thing in each direction, both right and left. If you hear a loud click noise, it will mean that the constant velocity joint is worn and that, therefore, it needs to be replaced (better provided as quickly as possible).