front left axle loose??

I need some help. I have been feeling/hearing clunking coming from under the driver side floorboards (97 Blazer ZR-2) when I hit even the slightest bump. I replaced both front sway bar assemblies yesterday, didnt fix it but they were shot too. I took another look under the front end (driver side) and saw oil leaking from the point were the driver side front axle enters the gearbox (not dripping, just alot of oil surrounding this area). I grabbed the axle and it wobbles up/down and in/out of where it joins the gearbox. I just had that same axle replaced 3 years ago!! :banghead: What could be causing this and how easy/$$ is it to fix? Is it safe to drive this way? any suggestions would be greatly apprechiated.

It sounds as if your describing the inner CVJ and the boot let loose. I would have the half axle changed as soon as you can.

thanks for the reply. Does that type of procedure cost alot to get done? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to the drivetrain, but the affected area is where the axle joins the differential, I believe. I suppose I'm best off to just schedule an appiontment with my mechanic. Till then, is there anything I should avoid, like hard steering, pot holes, keep the driving limited?

Whoa, hold on there, have you checked your hood washers lately? There is a defect with the hood hinges and the washers are needed to fix it.

Do this first before you go replacing your front end like I did.

Here is the link, DO THIS FIRST!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=302656

I will have to check that hinge when I get home. Come to think of it, I noticed The driver side hinge creeks and pops when I lower the hood. Sounds like an easy fix,too. I'm just worried about the oil leaking from the cv joint and the play it has in it. That frustrates me because I just had a new axle put in there. But thanks for the good info, I will defenatley check into getting that washer.

Yip, do that before you do anything else.

Irregardless of any hood hinge pops or whatever, the poster has stated that there is oil or grease around the inner CVJ from his description. Also, he stated that he can move it. This indicates that the joint has play in it and it will make noise.

Unfortunately, we can't exactly hear the noise but under the description that has been given, I don't believe that the hood washers will cause a leak as per the description given. I'm not saying it is not possible but highly unprobable.

Have someone with some experience look at that axle and changing it 3 years ago doesn't make it new.

To be on the safe side and avoid any uneccessary future damage, I just took the truck to my mechanic today. Once looking at it, he suggested I take it to a tranny expert that he knows. I was told (by the tranny dude) that the seal and possibly the bearing are shot. Left it overnight. I'll post again with the diagnosis and price of rapair. I aslo picked up those washers from the dealer. They came in one package of 2 pieces. You only one piece per side, correct?

Yes, one per side.

Read the link I gave earlier.

Well, it turned out to be just the seal. And he replaced the cv boot on that side, also. Very strange, the clunking went away, just from a blown seal? regardless, it feels much better. I also installed those washers. Good thing too, my left hood bolt was loose! The front end feels solid again now so I can start working on getting more off-road accessories. Total cost for seal replacement and cv boot installment - $296.00 + tax.

One more question, since there is a good response on this site. Wiper motor. I have that infamous ghost motor that only works when it's not raining. Messed up curcuit board or whatever. Spoke to GM, they wont relace it, even though a safety notice was put out. So I bought a whole new unit (refurbished). I took all the 7mm bolts out of the wiper cowls, but I can seem to figure out those little plastic screws. I already stripped one of them (not realizing they were plastic). Any advice?

The clunking I ca almost guarantee was from the hood and the leak was from the seal.

For the plastic screws, put some upward pressure on the head while you turn the screw out and be gentle, they will come out.

Hey Kzuby, did you have a vibration in the gas pedal and floor as well as the clunking?