Front end noises

[67malibu]

'99 Malibu 3.1, 196k A good 20k miles ago I noticed a faint click-clack coming from what I thought was the left front wheel. I replaced the hub and the CV shaft (knew that wasn't it but while I had the hub out) and nothing changed. The noise has progressively gotten louder and the frequency is related to wheel speed. It is audible from a crawl up to 25 mph but only with the window down. Putting on brakes doesn't affect it (calipers, pads, rotors, etc are fine) nor does turning. I can now here it from both sides while driving with the windows down. Is this the transaxle?

[rhandwor]

I assume you replaced the bearing when you replaced the hub. When you replaced the axle their is a bushing the end of the shaft fits in. Wiggle the joint and check for any excessive slop. If you need to replace it they make a special puller that fits in the bushing then you push it in and it holds the tool in place. Otherwise get a transmission shop to replace it.
With the car on jack stands block one wheel and listen to the other side. Try to isolate it and make sure where it is coming from.
http://www.matcotools.com/ should sell a tool if needed.
Remember you may have replaced the wrong side hub bearing.
A bad cv joint useally will make a noise in a cul de sac dead end turn around.
Go in circles then change the direction.

[67malibu]

[quote=rhandwor]I assume you replaced the bearing when you replaced the hub. When you replaced the axle their is a bushing the end of the shaft fits in.
The wheel hub is a sealed, unserviceable unit (bearings, wheel speed sensor and all.) I don't follow where any other bearings could be. As far as a bushing, are you referring to the retaining ring that clips into the groove on the driveaxle shaft and holds the inner joint onto the transaxle?

[rhandwor]

I looked at a picture of this one in a manual and the antilock ring is pressed on the cv joint. Make sure it isn't loose and the sending unit for the antilock isn't rubbing the teeth. It indicates the cv joint is pressed into the hub with the bearing. Make sure you got a good bearing in the hub not 100% of new bearings are good.
The bearing can be pressed in and out it is held in with a snap ring. The anti lock rings come loose and make noise or the bearing goes bad. As you replaced both in the transmission case their is a bushing that the end of the cv joint with snap ring goes through and the appx. 6 inchs of shaft ride in.
Feel the cv joints on both ends and wiggle them one with excessive slop I would check further.
Normally it is either the inner or outer joint that makes noise. I used to buy rebuilt axles for around $99.00 but I'm sure they are closer to $200.00 especially if you aren't buying from a rebuilder direct. It appeared this is what you did.
With the car on jack stands use a stethoscope and listen to each bearing if the bearing is too loose it can allow the shaft to vibrate and the anti lock ring touch the sender the part with wires. Did you torque the nut on the shaft to proper specifications?