CV Axles for ATVs & Side-by-Sides: What to Know Before You Replace

Your CV axle is the unsung hero of your ATV or UTV. Whether you’re blasting through trails, climbing rocky terrain, or working on the farm, the CV axle transfers power from your differential to your wheels — and takes a beating every time you ride.

If you’ve noticed clunking, vibration, or a torn boot, it might be time to replace yours. This guide will walk you through how CV axles work, signs of failure, and how to choose the right axle for your machine.

🦴 What Does a CV Axle Do?

CV stands for constant velocity. A CV axle delivers rotating power from your machine’s transmission or differential to the tires, while allowing for:

• Suspension movement (up/down)

• Steering rotation (left/right)

• Articulation in tight turns

Each CV axle has inner and outer CV joints, which are covered by rubber boots packed with grease. These joints allow the axle to flex while maintaining smooth, efficient power transfer.

⚠️ Signs Your CV Axle Needs to Be Replaced

• Clicking or popping in turns

• Torn or leaking CV boot

• Grease flung around the wheel or A-arm

• Shudder or vibration at speed

• Axle feels loose or has excessive play

• Machine not moving in 4WD or rear wheels only spinning

These symptoms mean it’s time to inspect — and likely replace — the axle before it fails completely.

🥇 Types of CV Axles

At East Lake Axle, we offer a range of direct-fit CV axles for ATVs and UTVs — built to handle the abuse.

✅ Heavy-Duty Axles

Built for lifted machines, oversized tires, and aggressive riding.

✔️ Thicker shafts
✔️ Upgraded CV joints
✔️ High-temp boots
✔️ Ideal for mud, sand, or work rigs

🔧 How to Choose the Right CV Axle

Use your make, model, and year to filter axles. Common fitments include:

• Polaris RZR / Ranger / Sportsman

• Can-Am Outlander / Maverick / Commander

• Honda Foreman / Rancher / Rubicon

• Yamaha Grizzly / Viking / Rhino

• Kawasaki Brute Force / Prairie

• Arctic Cat, CF Moto, John Deere, Bobcat and more

Also check:

• Front vs rear fitment

• Left vs right side

• Lift kit or long travel compatibility

🛠️ Installation Tips

• Loosen hub nut before lifting the machine

• Remove lower A-arm bolt to drop the suspension

• Pop the old axle out of the differential (use a pry bar if needed)

• Slide the new axle in — you should hear/feel a click when seated

• Torque all hardware to factory spec

Pro Tip: Replace both axles on the front or rear at the same time; if one is bad, the other is probably close behind.

🛒 Shop CV Axles for Your Machine

➡️ Browse CV Axles — exact-fit axles for Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, and more.
Trail-tested. Warranty-backed. Shipped fast.

💡 Pro Tip:

If you ride in mud or water, consider carrying a spare CV axle and boot kit on long trips. They’re one of the most common trail failures — and an easy fix if you’re prepared.