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New CV Joint?
disclaimer:
I am still learning a lot when it comes to fixing cars, so please bare with me!
I am currently driving a 1989 Pontiac Bonneville SE with 168,000 miles on it. A few weeks ago I noticed a wierd grinding noise when I turned left. As well as the steering wheel felt shaky when the noise happened.
It doesn't happen any other time except when I turn left.
So upon doing some research and asking around, I came to the conclusion it is the CV Joint (although it looks like there are inner & outter ones ?). I looked at the boot this weekend and it doesn't appear to be cracked or leaking. Without taking anything else apart I thought it would be best to get some advice. I have looked online and it seems that some people recommend changing the whole drive axle?
And some people said that I need to get everything balanced perfectly, so this is not a job for my husband (who is semi-skilled in the car dept) but for that of a mechanic. It looks to be quite expensive to repair so I really wanted to attempt this at home (with some help of course).
Would this be a bad idea? Is it true that you need to get everything "perfectly balanced - requiring a machine" or with the right tools can this be fixed at home?
Also, if it can be fixed at home, what is the best route, the whole drive axle? Buying a new CV joint kit (with the boot/etc all together) or what?
If it means saving myself hundreds of dollars I don't mind getting my hands dirty, but I wanted to make sure that this was something that could be done at home.
Also, if this does not sound like a CV Joint problem, please speak up!
I am very interested in trying to get this problem solved affordably, and hopefully learning something in the process.
Thanks.
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