2000 Regal Clicking On Passenger Side

I have a 2000 Regal 3800 S2 with 142,000 miles. I hear a clicking noise at low speeds and it seems to disappear above 25 MPH. I checked the CV boots and both the inner and outer are intact.

Is the CV Joint going bad? Or is all the grease inside gone or out of its useful life? The car is heavily driven (900-1000 miles/week). If it is the CV Joint, are they difficult to replace? I was formerly a ASE Certified Technician about 20 years ago......

Could it be the wheel bearing making the noise?

I love the car and want to keep it for at least another year. I have never had the engine or transmission problems that I have seen described here. Other than brakes, tires, oil and etc., the car has been virtually maintenance-free! It really has been great!

I have come here a lot to read advice but only recently registered to possibly get some help. Your thoughts on my problem would be most appreciated.

Thank you
Rich in Sunny Hudson, FL

It could be the wheel beaing or CV joint. But at your mileage I'd check into the hub/bearing first. Hubs have a tendency to go before the CV joints.

The best thing to do if you suspect either the inner or outer CV joints is to replace the complete axle half shaft. It is faster, easier and cheaper.

The Hub/Bearing assembly has been known to make a clicking sound especially the ABS wheel sensor part of it and not give off any ABS or TRAC fault lights.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/bearing01.jpg
GM "W" Body Hub/Bearing with ABS Sensor

It could be the wheel beaing or CV joint. But at your mileage I'd check into the hub/bearing first. Hubs have a tendency to go before the CV joints.

The best thing to do if you suspect either the inner or outer CV joints is to replace the complete axle half shaft. It is faster, easier and cheaper.

The Hub/Bearing assembly has been known to make a clicking sound especially the ABS wheel sensor part of it and not give off any ABS or TRAC fault lights.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/bearing01.jpg
GM "W" Body Hub/Bearing with ABS Sensor

So if I can jack up the one wheel and spin it without spinning the axle and I still get the noise, then the hub bearing assy is most likely my problem? I am just trying to make sense of the issue..

Thanks for the replies.
Rich in Sunny Hudson, FL

So if I can jack up the one wheel and spin it without spinning the axle and I still get the noise, then the hub bearing assy is most likely my problem? I am just trying to make sense of the issue..

Thanks for the replies.
Rich in Sunny Hudson, FL

I don't believe that that would be a good test or may not show anything. Because it is front wheel drive with an automatic transaxle you might try doing the test with the complete front end safety jacked up with jackstands/support. Then run the test with engine running and in drive carefully listening for the noise.

BTW - You may have to pull the ABS maxifuse so the traction control system doesn't kick in due to sensing possible wheel spin when the front tires are off the ground. Good luck!