CV Boot problem?

[dsm_93tsi]

Okay, so my cars been down for a while and I finally thought everything was good to go, but when I went to test drive it around the block I noticed that there was a clicking noise coming from what I believe is the front passenger side. It's only when I take right turns that can hear the clicking. And from what I know, or think I know, it's because of a bad cv boot.

I pulled off both of my front tires and checked everything I possibly could, there's no leaking, nothing seems to be loose. But I don't know if it's coming from the passenger side or driver side. My windows are stuck closed, so I can't really hear, but i know it's in the front.

Question is, depending on if you turn to the left or right, does that indicate whether it's your left or right cv boot. Thanks!

Dorene

 

[TrevorS]

Question is, depending on if you turn to the left or right, does that indicate whether it's your left or right cv boot. Thanks!

Dorene

From my own experience, clicking at slow speed when turning left (like in a parking lot) indicates a bad left CVJ. Same thing when turning right indicates a bad right CVJ. In both cases, not just the boot, but the CVJ itself. However, it's possible the CVJ is OK and it's actually the bearing acting up. If the boot is fully intact (and no sign of grease loss), I'd wonder about the bearing.

PS. On the other hand, if you tend to beat the hell out of the car, then it probably is the CVJ.

 

[dylnwit]

Lay under the front (or if your lucky, put it on a lift), and look at your CV boots. Assuming there's still grease in them, one will look 'cleaner' or 'newer' than the others. Normally when a boot rips, it's in the 'low' spots, and the boot will look shiny around the problem area. You should be able to find a cv boot problem with some spare time and a flashlight. Boot problems normally don't cause 'clicking' though.

 

[TrevorS]

Boot problems normally don't cause 'clicking' though.

If there's a boot rip, it allows contaminates into the joint and that very definitely can kill a CVJ. If a rip is caught early enough, then the joint can be preserved by perhaps repacking the joint, but definitely replacing the boot. If time goes by, expect the worst!

 

[dsm_93tsi]

would it just be easier to just swap out the axle...the boot alone costs $20 something and I can buy an axle for about $50 at the local auto parts store...