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Re: Test for bad CV joint? Posted by Cmyles [Email] (#1126) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Cmyles) on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:41:40 In Reply to: Re: Test for bad CV joint?, RadioFlyer, Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:59:47 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Karl,
Here are some general diagnostic guidelines: Bad inner driver assemblies vibrate or shake (only) on acceleration regardless of direction of travel and do not growl. There are two parts there, the inner driver itself and the tripod bearing. Sometimes the tripod bearing is shot but the inner driver is still OK. Usually if the inner driver is shot it's a good idea to replace the tripod bearing even if it seems to be OK (it's a judgement call). When they are really bad you can grab the axle near the inner driver and detect significant radial or rotational slop. A tiny bit is normal.
Bad CV joints (the outermost part of the axle) will make a loud clicking noise when turning (either way) but not while driving straight ahead. Going straight ahead the balls in the joint simply push on their respective tracks but when turning they also have to travel along those tracks as they push and when they traverse the local depressions worn in the tracks they click. Never heard one growl.
A bad wheel bearing will growl when turning (only one way) as the bearing is loaded more heavily. Drive the car and swerve left then right and back repeatedly while coasting and if the noise occurs while swerving only one way it's almost certainly due to bad wheel bearing. You can also raise the car and place a stethoscope (or a stick or long screwdriver) against the steering knuckle near the wheel bearing and spin the wheel by hand while listening. If the bearing is shot you will usually hear it growling or grinding that way.
If you see a torn boot you may have a clue and even if that joint is still OK it won't be for long if the boot is not immediately replaced. Hope this helps.
posted by 96.60.12...
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