CV Joint Replacement Cost: Fixing the "Clicking" Noise When Turning (2026 Guide)
You are driving through a parking lot, turning the steering wheel to pull into a spot, and you hear it: a loud, rhythmic click-click-click coming from your front wheels. The noise stops when you drive straight but returns every time you turn.
This specific sound is the classic distress signal of a failing Constant Velocity (CV) Joint. Ignoring it isn't just annoying; it’s dangerous. If a CV joint fails completely while driving, your car’s axle can break, causing you to lose power to the wheels or even lose control of the vehicle.
In this guide, we break down the real CV joint replacement cost for 2025, explain why mechanics prefer replacing the entire axle, and help you decide the most economical repair path.
What Is a CV Joint and What Does It Do?
Your car’s engine creates power, and the transmission manages it. But how does that power get to the wheels, especially when they are bouncing up and down over bumps and turning left and right?
That is the job of the CV Axle. At the end of the axle is the CV Joint, a clever ball-bearing mechanism protected by a rubber boot. It allows the axle to transfer power to the wheels at a constant speed (hence "Constant Velocity") regardless of the angle of the turn.
Symptoms: How to Diagnose a Bad CV Joint
Before you pay for repairs, confirm the symptoms. A bad CV joint has a very distinct "personality":
1. The "Clicking" on Turns
This is the #1 symptom. If you hear a loud clicking or popping noise only when turning (left or right), the outer CV joint is worn out.
2. Grease on the Inside of the Tire
The CV joint is packed with special grease and sealed inside a rubber boot. Over time, this rubber cracks. If you see dark, thick grease splattered on the inside of your wheel rim or around the suspension, the boot has torn, and the joint is failing.
3. Vibration at Highway Speeds
A worn inner CV joint (the one closer to the transmission) usually causes vibrations when accelerating, rather than clicking noises.
CV Joint Replacement Cost: The Breakdown
Here is the secret that most car owners don't know: It is rarely cheaper to replace just the joint.
Option A: Replacing the CV Boot or Joint Only
In the past, mechanics would disassemble the axle, clean it, and install a new joint or boot.
- Parts Cost: Cheap ($20 – $50).
- Labor Cost: Very High ($300+). Cleaning old grease and rebuilding the axle takes hours.
Option B: Replacing the Entire CV Axle (The Standard Fix)
Today, almost every shop recommends swapping the entire axle shaft (which comes with new joints and boots pre-installed).
- Parts Cost: $100 – $250 (Aftermarket) / $300 – $500 (OEM).
- Labor Cost: Lower ($150 – $300). It is a simple "bolt-on" swap that takes about 1 hour per side.
Total Estimated Cost (Per Side)
| Vehicle Type | DIY Cost (Parts Only) | Mechanic Cost (Parts + Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Car (Honda/Toyota) | $80 – $120 | $300 – $500 |
| SUV / Truck (4WD) | $100 – $180 | $400 – $700 |
| Luxury (European) | $200 – $400 | $600 – $1,000+ |
Is It Safe to Drive With a Clicking CV Joint?
Short Term: Yes. If the clicking just started, you can typically drive for a few weeks. The joint is worn, but not broken.
Long Term: Absolutely Not. Eventually, the joint will disintegrate. When this happens:
- The axle will disconnect from the wheel.
- You will lose all power (the engine will rev, but the car won't move).
- In worst-case scenarios, the loose axle can flail around and damage your brake lines or suspension components.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
Replacing a CV axle is a moderate difficulty (6/10) job.
- Tools Needed: Large socket for the axle nut (often 30mm+), breaker bar, torque wrench, and a way to lift the car safely.
- The Challenge: Axle nuts are torqued extremely tight. Also, transmission fluid might leak out when you pull the axle.
Verdict: If you have the tools and muscle, you can save $300 by doing it yourself. If you don't have a heavy-duty breaker bar, leave this one to the pros.
Conclusion
The clicking noise is your car’s way of asking for help before a breakdown. For most drivers, replacing the entire CV axle is the most cost-effective and reliable solution. It’s a standard repair that, once done, ensures another 100,000 miles of silent, smooth turning.
Hearing strange noises? Don't wait until you are stranded. Check our other guides on suspension noises at Sacramento Car Repair.
