Check hinge protection
If the cover of the drive joints is damaged and we do not react quickly, we can be sure of high repair costs.
Prevention is better than cure. This is a wise saying that applies to car gimbals as well. If the cover is damaged and we do not react quickly, we can be sure of high repair costs.
Most passenger cars and light vans currently in production are front-wheel drive, which in turn requires the use of appropriate drive joints to ensure high turns and smooth transmission at high angles. The hinge, like the bearing, is precise and delicate. It must work in a special lubricant and be covered with a cover that protects it from dirt. In a few 
However, over the years of use, rubber loses its properties, becomes less flexible and can break. Then sand and water get into the seam, which act like sandpaper and damage the seam very quickly.
The symptom is clearly audible in the form of metallic knocks and rattles that occur when driving with a load and when the wheels are turned out. Such a joint can only be replaced. And, unfortunately, this is the expensive part. In authorized services, this often costs more than PLN 1500. Fortunately, replacement is much cheaper. However, these costs can be avoided. It is enough to check the condition of the articular caps every few months. This is a very simple activity that we can even do ourselves. In most cars, you don't even need to jack up the car. It is enough to turn the wheels as much as possible and then you can see the articulation and the cover. If it is cracked or scratched, or worse, if grease is leaking from it, the cap should be replaced as soon as possible. It's worth doing because the lid costs a lot less than the cheapest joint. Don't skimp on covers. Rubber that costs about a dozen zlotys will certainly not be very durable. But for PLN 40 or 50 we can buy a decent case in the store. The cost of work when replacing a hinge or cover is the same, since the same steps are performed and ranges from 50 to 150 zł, depending on the car model.
Car make and model | Joint coverage price (PLN) | Joint price (PLN) | Cover/joint replacement cost (PLN) | |||
w ASO | replacement | w ASO | replacement | w ASO | in the service | |
Nissan Mikra 1.0 '03 | 170 | 30 | 940 | 170 | 120 | 50 |
Honda Civic 1.4 '99 | 147 | 40 | 756 | 250 | 100 | 50 |
Ford Focus 1.6 '98 | 103 | 45 | 752 | 200 | 160 | 50 |
Nissan Primera 2.0 '03 | 165 | 40 | 1540 | 270 | 120 | 50 |
