Question about CV Joints n' Ball Joints

[Frdxplrr]

'97 Explorer, 5.0 AWD XLT. My truck makes a loud metallic clicking consistant with the speed of the vehicle, coming from the driver side, is more noticable when turning, and will do it in forward, reverse, and NOW when coasting in Nuetral. I'm a bit of a "do-it-your selfer." I have replaced the hubs on both front tires (one three months ago, the other about 2 years ago). I have checked the U Joint (greased it, also) and the drive shaft. Also checked brakes and everything seems sound. Looking at the feedback from this site, others, the ole' Haynes Book, and my girlfriend (yes, my girlfriend..she builds cars for Chrysler, and has been around cars all her life), all opinions lead to CV joint or ball joints. Questions #1-CV and Ball Joints are basically the same thing, right? Question #2-how difficult is it to replace a CV or Ball joint? If I do 'tackle' this myself, my understanding is that there are some special tools involved. All and any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[rentacop634061]

mine is doing the same thing and it is my uperr and lower ball joints. you need to get a special tool to press the balls in and to take them out. and contray to what some of the others say spend the money for the moogs. in other words you get what you pay for as i found out for the 2nd time:roll:

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Questions #1-CV and Ball Joints are basically the same thing, right?

No.

CV is a nick name for constant velocity. It is a total different animal than a ball joint. If it is a CV you will have to repalce the axle shat itself. They run around $50 exchange or $70 new.

When you had the drive shaft out did you check the CV that bolts to the transfer case? I chased a similar problem for 6 months and it turned out to be the CV on the drive shaft.

 

[Frdxplrr]

When you had the drive shaft out did you check the CV that bolts to the transfer case? I chased a similar problem for 6 months and it turned out to be the CV on the drive shaft.

Yes, I actually removed two to get at the zerk to grease the U-Joint. Everything appeared to be in good shape. Question: how would that explain the louder metallic clicking when turning?