Vauxhall Cavalier CV Joints Replacement Parts

Yes, the Cavalier is a front-wheel-drive car across all its main UK generations, so it uses CV (constant velocity) joints to drive the front wheels — one inner and one outer joint per driveshaft, nearside and offside. This applies to the Mk2 (1981–1988) and Mk3 (1988–1995) generations. If you've heard the classic clicking noise on full lock, a worn outer CV joint is the most likely cause.

The Mk3 Cavalier ran from 1988 to 1995, but engine size can affect which driveshaft and CV joint assembly is fitted, so a joint from a 1.4 or 1.6 may not be the same as one from a 2.0 or GSi. Name the generation boundary to your breaker and confirm the engine size on both donor and recipient car before buying. Never assume fitment across engine variants without checking.

Trim level — whether your car is an L, GL, GLS, CDi, or any other Cavalier grade — does not affect which CV joint is fitted; what matters is the engine size and whether it's the nearside (NS, driver's side on UK cars) or offside (OS) joint. Focus on matching engine displacement and specifying inner or outer joint and which side when asking a breaker for a quote. Trim differences are cosmetic and have no bearing on running gear like driveshafts.

The Mk2 (1981–1988) and Mk3 (1988–1995) Cavalier are different generations built on different platforms, so CV joints and driveshaft components are very unlikely to interchange between them. Always tell the breaker which generation and engine size you have, and confirm the part number if possible, rather than assuming cross-generation compatibility. A breaker with the right generation car is a much safer starting point.

No — the inner and outer CV joints are different components with different designs; the inner joint allows more axial movement to cope with suspension travel, while the outer joint handles the steering angles. When ordering from a breaker, specify clearly whether you need the inner or outer joint, the side (NS or OS), and your engine size to avoid getting the wrong part. Many breakers sell these separately, but some will supply the full driveshaft assembly, which can be a simpler option on a high-mileage car.

Body style does not affect CV joint fitment on the Cavalier; the driveshaft and joint design is determined by the drivetrain and engine, not whether the car is a saloon, hatchback or estate. The key details to give a breaker are the generation (Mk2 or Mk3), engine size, and which joint you need (inner or outer, NS or OS). Confirming against your registration with the breaker is always the safest final step.