In front-wheel-drive systems, which statement about CV joints is correct?

• A. Front-wheel-drive vehicles use at least one fixed CV Joint on each axle
• B. Most front-wheel-drive vehicles use a plunging outboard CV Joint
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

In front-wheel-drive systems, the drive shaft (axle) that goes from the transaxle to the wheel must both transmit power and allow for steering and suspension movement. CV joints are used to keep the drive power smooth as the wheel steers and the suspension moves. There are two kinds: fixed joints, which stay at a constant length along the shaft, and plunging joints, which can slide axially to absorb changes in length.

Typically, at least one CV joint on each front axle is fixed. This fixed joint (usually the outer joint) helps maintain a constant shaft length as the wheel turns, while the inner joint is the one that often plunges to accommodate engine/transaxle movement and suspension travel. So the statement that front-wheel-drive vehicles use at least one fixed CV joint on each axle is the best description.

The claim that most front-wheel-drive vehicles use a plunging CV joint on the outer end isn’t correct, because the outer joint is usually fixed while the inner joint tends to be the plunging type.