The Problem with Cheap CV Axles
In this Steve’s Garage video I cover the potential issues with using inexpensive aftermarket CV axles vs high quality aftermarket or OEM axles.
Cheap CV axles can have a variety of problems, from cheap materials that don’t last long, or poor tolerances like the one in the video. Many people report inexpensive CV axles not lasting long, or having issues straight out of the box. When comparing cheap CV axles to OEM CV Axles, many people see a vast difference. In many cases the extra money spent on an OEM CV Axle is worth it for the knowledge it won’t fail prematurely. In this video, the CV axles had issues from the moment I unboxed and installed them on the car. With zero miles on the CV axles, they were giving me a weird vibration when driving down the road.
For some, the cost savings of an aftermarket CV axles compared to an OEM CV axle is worth it. For me, the cheap CV axles aren’t worth the money. I don’t want to constantly replace CV axles, and I want my steering wheel to be vibration free when I drive. I want CV axles to be a one and done job.
In addition to this CV axle comparison video, I have a video about diagnosing a worn CV axle, and rebuilding a CV axle if you decide to go that route. Leave any questions you may have, thanks for watching!
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Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
0:27 – CV Axle Options
0:38 – My Experience with Aftermarket CV Axles
1:53 – My Opinion About CV Axles
2:40 – Outro
I can only agree with you. Bought two new axles for my VW Polo from the name brand SKF. Unfortunately, I’m having issues with them slinging grease on the inner joints (both sides), vibration while accelerating and a very loud hum from the passenger side around 75 kmh.
Reading the box carefully, found out that those things are just rebranded by SKF and not directly made by them… which means they could just be run of the mill parts, with the brand name stuck on it (only a sticker, no engraving of any kind).
As with your Volvo, I also noticed the OEM part has a rubber damper in the middle of the shaft, most likely to reduce unwanted vibrations. My original one is also like that. The aftermarket one is bare.
Thankfully, I still have my old ones in the basement, had a feeling that the new ones would do me no good…
Cheers from Germany.
Well, what’s a good joint???
If anyone wants a good recommendation for a decent after market axle One I can recommend is Cardone. Screw the warranties on Chinese Axles. Go to Rock auto if you have to. Also I’d like to note for older Toyota models. They remanufacture off old oems 😄 I hope this helps someone out there Brothers 🙏
the 2 parts dont look identicle to start 1st.
I’m buying a used one that looks to be in good condition for my Corolla off of eBay I know there’s certain parts that really need to be OEM and I have finally ran into my first case with the CV axles brand new axle seems to be in good condition but it just doesn’t drive right with it