How do to tell if a CV joint is going bad?

[David Suesz]

I have been trying to locate the source of a noise in the front end of my 97 AWD for months. It is not a bang, rattle, or thump, it is a rotating gear or bearing noise that seems to happen at the exact rate of front tire rotation.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Have you inspected your wheel bearings?

-Drew

 

[David Suesz]

No, I replaced them. Both sides. A little tighter steering, no change in the noise.

 

[jstuart138]

I've been having the same problem. I have a very loud bearing type sound that matches tire speed that quiets down when i turn to the left. Replaced the wheel bearings and nothing. Doesn't seem to be any play in the CV joints either. I dropped the front drive shaft and still have the noise. I really don't want to replace more parts "just to see".

*edit* Wow, just saw how old the OP was. Question is still there though.

 

[1996Z15]

when you guys say that you changed the wheel bearings are you referring to the hub assembly or something else? I have that same type of noise and had the hub assemblies replaced; the noise is still present.

Just want to make sure I don't need to replace wheel bearings as well.

 

[Joe Dirt]

The hub assemblies include the wheel bearings on the 4wd trucks- they're all one unit.