FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE MAINTENANCE
Vehicles with front-wheel drive have half shafts, which must be checked every
oil change for wear and dents. These shafts must be perfectly balanced and
aligned in order to turn “true” while driving the front wheels. There will be
vibration in the drivetrain if they are out of balance from dents or misalignment.
This vibration causes additional wear on related components such as
transmissions, differential components, seals, tail shafts, CV joints, and so on. In
addition, keep an eye on the CV joint boots. When these crack or split, the
combination of centrifugal force and drive force throws the lubricant out from
the boot, exposing the CV joint to the weather and road elements and
accelerating wear. Have the wheel bearings checked for up-and-down as well as
side-to-side play, and replace as necessary.