Tires & Wheels Repair & Maintenance

Axle, differential, CV and U-Joints

• My front-wheel drive makes a clicking noise when turning. Is there a problem?
• What is the difference between a U-joint and a constant velocity joint?
• Why do front-wheel drive cars and minivans have CV joints instead of ordinary U joint?
• Why are CV joints so expensive?
• My mechanic tells me my FWD has a bad outer CV joint. He says the shaft has to be replaced. Isn't there a less expensive way to fix it?
• Do I need to change the oil in the differential?

Tire matching rules

• Is it still necessary to rotate the tires every so often?
• When I buy replacement tires for my vehicle, do they all have to be the same size?

Tires - pressures, flats, and wear

• How do I tell normal tire wear from abnormal tire wear?
• How much air should I put in my tires?

Tire construction and design

• Why are almost all tires today radial ply tires?
• What are all-season, asymmetrical and directional tires?

Wheel balancing and alignment

• How often do I really need to have my wheels aligned?
• What's the difference between a front end alignment and a four-wheel alignment (besides the price)?
• My mechanic says suspension is not adjustable. Does it mean the wheels can't be aligned?
• When buying a new set of tires, should I have them balanced?
• Do my wheels need to realigned after my struts have been replaced?
• When I'm driving down the highway, my car pulls to the right. How come?