Clicking noise heard when turning

[Madmax_4a]

I can hear a clicking noise coming from the front of the car when I turn at slow speeds. It probably is the CV Joint going bad but do any of you guys have any ideas on what I can look for if I pull the wheels off and inspect??? Can it be anything else? Please help!

 

[el aguila]

Check to see if there is grease sprayed everywhere from the CV boot being worn and cracking.

 

[Plague]

On the inner part of your rim you would have a good layer of grease. I was doing my oil change when I saw this on my quattro. Good thing I got to it before the bearings went bad, I had to repack both of my boots.
If one goes bad, it is a good idea to repack the the others. You know, preventative maintenance is alot easier and most importantly, cheaper.

 

[Madmax_4a]

Originally posted by Plague
On the inner part of your rim you would have a good layer of grease. I was doing my oil change when I saw this on my quattro. Good thing I got to it before the bearings went bad, I had to repack both of my boots.
If one goes bad, it is a good idea to repack the the others. You know, preventative maintenance is alot easier and most importantly, cheaper.

Ok what kind of grease can i use and be safe with? I have a grease gun with some greenish grease in it but I am not sure if any grease is ok or what....

 

[Plague]

Go to a parts store, ask for cv joint grease or axle grease for a boot repack. They will know what you are talking about. Sorry about the nomenclature of the type of grease, but for the life of me I cant remember for sure what its called.

 

[Madmax_4a]

how do u know when it is time to replace them? Mine click right now when turning slowly but what would it sound like or feel when they turn into a major problem?

 

[Plague]

If its clicking now its a problem. The wear marks on the bearings will only get worse. Replace the axles that are clicking and repack the rest. Dont know about the change intervals. The boots and grease are cheap so its up to you. Every time you change your oil take a look at the boots. I change my boots and grease every two years. It gives me something to do.

 

[Defiant]

If you're clicking, it's too late. CV joints want an extreme-pressure grease, usually lithium-based. Helps them with depression, too.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by Plague

...
axle grease for a boot repack.

Sorry about the nomenclature of the type of grease, but for the life of me I cant remember for sure what its called.

Yegads, and I thought I was the only prehistoric critter here.

Axle grease you say, some kind parts counter person corrected me a long time ago and pointed out that axle grease went out with the horse and buggy. What you want is "wheel bearing grease". I think you can substitute string grease for axle grease if you must have it.

However in this case it would be CV bearing grease. The boot replacement kits usually come with a tube of grease which can be either a lithium or moly-graphite base. I've used both but prefer the moly since I think the drop point is higher. Oils use viscosity, and grease uses drop point which is a temp measurement when it drops.

Did Molly take lithium for depression too...

Cheers,
GTM

 

[leet]

Originally posted by Defiant
If you're clicking, it's too late. CV joints want an extreme-pressure grease, usually lithium-based. Helps them with depression, too.

ooooooooooh the intelligent wit! *Swoons*

If its clicking you got problems.