Quick Answer: Who makes the best CV joints? NTN produces 40 million units a year and holds IATF 16949 certification. GKN supplies over 90% of global automakers. SKF leads in low‑friction bearings. For aftermarket buyers, Chinese suppliers like DUHUI Bearing offer IATF 16949‑certified parts at competitive prices. This list ranks the top 10 by verified production data and market share.
CV joints transfer power from your transmission to the wheels while keeping a constant speed – even when you turn or hit a bump. Without them, front‑wheel drive and all‑wheel drive cars wouldn’t work. If you’re sourcing for a repair shop or an OEM project, you need reliable suppliers. Below are the top 10 CV joint manufacturers in the world, ranked by real market data and company track records.
What Is a CV Joint and Why Does It Matter?
A CV joint keeps the driveshaft spinning at a steady velocity regardless of the angle. Old‑style U‑joints speed up and slow down as the angle changes – that causes vibration. CV joints don’t. That’s why every front‑wheel drive car and most all‑wheel drive vehicles use them.
Two common designs exist: ball‑type (Rzeppa) joints on the wheel side, and tripod‑type joints near the transmission. Both rely on precision machining, rubber boots, and high‑grade grease to survive years of use.
Market size and trends. The global automotive CV joint market was valued between $3.9 billion and $5.3 billion in 2025, depending on the product scope. The wider constant velocity universal joint market reached about $8.5 billion in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 4.5% through 2030. Asia Pacific accounts for 42–50% of global demand. China alone represents roughly 35% of the market – and it’s also the world’s largest vehicle producer (over 25 million units per year).
Top 10 CV Joint Manufacturers in the World
We ranked these companies using multiple market reports and public data. Factors include OEM contracts, annual output, aftermarket reach, and engineering capability.
| Rank | Manufacturer | Founded | Headquarters | Core strengths & market position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NTN Corporation | 1918 | Japan | Second‑largest OE supplier; 40 million units per year; 5 R&D centers and 15 plants globally |
| 2 | GKN Automotive | 1902 | United Kingdom | Market leader with ~40% share; supplies over 90% of the world’s automakers |
| 3 | Raxles | 2000 | United States | High‑performance CV axles for North American aftermarket; precision fitment for modified vehicles |
| 4 | SKF Group | 1907 | Sweden | Global leader in bearings and seals; low‑friction, durable CV joints for EVs and hybrids |
| 5 | FEBI Bilstein | 1988 | Germany | Over 50,000 part numbers; strong presence in European passenger and commercial aftermarkets |
| 6 | Meyle | 1958 | Germany | “MEYLE Quality” standard – OE specs at competitive pricing; rigorous durability testing |
| 7 | Cardone Industries | 1970 | United States | Remanufactured and new CV joints; cost‑effective solutions for North American aftermarket |
| 8 | RBC Bearings | 1919 | United States | High‑performance precision bearings for aerospace, defense, and automotive; advanced materials |
| 9 | Shing Shing Long Industrial Inc. | 2000 | Taiwan, China | CV joint specialist for OEM and aftermarket; tight quality control; strong in Asia |
| 10 | DUHUI Bearing | 2003 | China | Makes CV joints plus many other automotive bearings; IATF 16949 certified; strict quality control |
1. NTN Corporation
NTN is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and ranks as the world’s second‑largest OEM CV joint supplier. The company produces about 40 million CV joints annually across five R&D centers and fifteen dedicated plants in Asia, Europe, South America, and the United States. NTN’s CV joints are known for precision engineering, low vibration, and proprietary heat‑treatment processes that extend product life. NTN supplies both OE and aftermarket channels, covering European, Japanese, Korean, and American vehicle brands.
2. GKN Automotive
GKN Automotive, based in Redditch, United Kingdom, holds roughly 40% of the global CV joint market – the largest share. With over 120 years of driveline engineering heritage, GKN supplies CV joints and driveline systems to more than 90% of the world’s major automakers. The company offers the broadest CV joint technology platform in the industry, covering conventional two‑wheel drive, all‑wheel drive, hybrid, and fully electric vehicle architectures. In January 2025, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) announced its acquisition of GKN’s parent company, Dowlais Group, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.44 billion.
3. Raxles
Founded in 2000, Raxles is a U.S. manufacturer specializing in high‑performance CV axles for the North American aftermarket. The company focuses on precision fitment and durability, serving professional installers and vehicle enthusiasts. Raxles positions itself as a specialized alternative to mass‑market CV components, offering application‑specific solutions for modified and performance‑oriented vehicles.
4. SKF Group
SKF Group, established in 1907 in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a global leader in bearing and seal technologies. Its CV joint product line emphasizes precision manufacturing, low‑friction operation, and high durability – attributes valued in high‑performance and energy‑efficient vehicle applications. SKF maintains production and distribution facilities across multiple continents, supplying both OEM and aftermarket customers.
5. FEBI Bilstein
FEBI Bilstein, founded in 1988, is a German manufacturer of automotive replacement parts with an extensive product portfolio exceeding 50,000 part numbers. The company supplies CV joints, driveshafts, and related drivetrain components for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. FEBI Bilstein has a strong presence in the European aftermarket, recognized for consistent quality and reliable supply chain operations.
6. Meyle
Meyle, established in 1958 in Germany, manufactures drivetrain components for passenger and commercial vehicles under the “MEYLE Quality” standard – a product specification that aims to match OE standards while maintaining competitive pricing. The company’s CV joint product line undergoes rigorous durability testing and is distributed through an extensive aftermarket network across Europe and beyond.
7. Cardone Industries
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in the United States, Cardone Industries is a major supplier of remanufactured and new automotive components, including CV joints and complete CV axles. The company operates comprehensive testing protocols to ensure that remanufactured products meet or exceed original equipment performance specifications. Cardone is widely recognized in the North American aftermarket for offering cost‑effective drivetrain solutions, especially for older vehicle models where new OEM parts are expensive or discontinued.
8. RBC Bearings
RBC Bearings, established in 1919 and based in the United States, manufactures high‑performance precision bearings and related components for aerospace, defense, industrial machinery, and automotive applications. The company’s automotive CV joint products use high‑strength materials and advanced sealing technologies, serving applications that demand superior durability under extreme operating conditions.
9. Shing Shing Long Industrial Inc.
Founded in 2000 and based in Taiwan, China, Shing Shing Long Industrial Inc. specializes in CV joints and drivetrain components for both OE and aftermarket customers. The company applies rigorous quality control measures across its production processes and has built a strong competitive position in the Asian aftermarket. Its product range covers a wide variety of vehicle models.
10. DUHUI Bearing
DUHUI Bearing, established in 2003 and based in China, manufactures CV joints and a comprehensive range of automotive bearings. The company holds IATF 16949 certification – the automotive industry’s quality management standard – ensuring its production processes meet international requirements for defect prevention, process control, and continuous improvement. DUHUI Bearing’s product portfolio includes CV joints for many passenger vehicle applications, as well as other bearing types for different automotive systems. The company maintains strict quality control from raw material selection to final inspection and serves aftermarket customers in multiple global markets. For B2B buyers seeking a balance of quality assurance, competitive pricing, and responsive service, DUHUI Bearing offers a reliable sourcing option within the Chinese CV joint manufacturing sector.
Conclusion
To choose a CV joint supplier, check their technical capability, quality systems (IATF 16949 is a key indicator), production capacity, and delivery track record. Global leaders like NTN and GKN set the standard for OE parts. For aftermarket buyers who want solid quality without the OEM markup, Chinese manufacturers – including DUHUI Bearing – offer a practical alternative with certified processes and export experience. Use the market data and supplier criteria in this article to make a confident sourcing decision.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main types of CV joints used in vehicles?
The two most common are ball‑type (Rzeppa) joints – usually on the wheel side, allowing up to 40‑45 degrees of steering – and tripod‑type joints on the transmission side, which slide in and out as the suspension moves.
Q2: What’s the difference between OEM and aftermarket CV joints?
OEM joints are made exactly to a carmaker’s specs for new vehicles. They’re top quality but expensive. Aftermarket joints come from independent brands. Quality varies: established names like GKN, NTN, and SKF make aftermarket parts that closely match OE specifications, while lower‑tier brands often cut corners on materials or machining.
Q3: How should a B2B buyer evaluate CV joint manufacturers?
Look for IATF 16949 certification first. Then check their on‑time delivery rate (above 97% is good) and reorder rate (above 30% suggests repeat customers). Also ask about their production setup – CNC machining, heat treatment lines, in‑house testing. Make sure they have export experience and respond quickly to inquiries or sample requests.
Q4: What role does China play in the global CV joint market?
China is the largest single CV joint market, representing about 35% of global demand. It’s also the largest vehicle producer, making over 25 million vehicles a year. The country has dense industrial clusters in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shandong, offering integrated supply chains and cost‑efficient production. Many Chinese CV joint manufacturers hold IATF 16949 certification and export to Europe, North America, and other regions – giving global buyers a range of quality and price options.
Need more information on DUHUI Bearing’s CV joints or other automotive bearings? Request a catalog or sample through our website.













