I blew a CV yesterday

[John_Rock]

Well, I just ordered my first GCK axle. We'll see how things go from here.

 

[tenikiwon]

CV vs Axle Shaft

So can just a CV joint be replaced? or do you have to do the whole thing? I have a weird noise coming from the front that I notices at slow speeds and turning. At highway speeds the steering is a little funky, but could be the high winds here.

Also, when breaking it pulls hard to the right. (sound coming from drivers side)

I'm going to do breaks and try and take a look at it this weekend. Is there something I should look at or check?

 

[John_Rock]

That's a loaded question.

One, if the CV was broken, more than likely the boot covering it will break and the grease from inside will spew all over.

Two, if the CV was broken, in 4wd mode you won't have either front wheel pulling it's weight.

It could be possible you might have a CV going out. If that is so, then go 4wheeling and it should break rather quickly and you will know for sure what your problem is.

Otherwise maybe your balljoints are going out.

If you can find a place to get the CV joint parts that are only necesarry at a good price, then theoretically you could just fix what is broken without buying a whole new half-shaft.
I used to do that when I owned water cooled VW's. I would spend about $50-60 in CV joint parts to fix what was needed instead of buying a whole half-shaft for $110. It was a fun taking apart and putting back together ball and cage CV joints.

 

[tenikiwon]

Ball Joints

When I bought my truck with 59k they told me that my ball joints had wear. Over a year later at 93k, I have yet to replace them. When I pull the wheel what should I look for?

 

[John_Rock]

If your CV joints are fine and you are positive the noise is up in the wheel area, then the noise is probably one of the following; Brakes, Ball Joints, or Wheel Bearings.

With the wheels on the ground and the engine running try having someone turn the steering wheel back and forth and look for excessive play in the components.

Check things by jacking the wheel off the ground and spinning it and listening for the noises.

I'm not exactly sure how worn ball joints act or look. I've never replaced one.

Hopefully someone else with prior experience will chime in here.

Well, those are my thoughts on things you might want to check.

Regards,
John

 

[tenikiwon]

Thanks, I think I posted this somewhere else, but last night I had the chance to drive it up in a snow bank on solid ice and spind two of the wheels. Auto kicked in like a charm. The clunking noise I only got when I gun'd it. I think t'i' somewhere between and possibley includeing the T-case, front driveshaft, or front diffy. It might even be normal? (doubt it)

The brakes I will do on Friday and Maybe I'll find more.

Thanks for all the help.