'93 Rodeo 4WD front drive axle

[steffenk]

While having the right front wheel bearing repacked on my '93 V63.2L 4WD, the mechanic noticed that there was a popping sound when turning -- I have heard this popping sound when making sharp turns, i.e. wheel turned completely to one side, but the car drives fine. He recommended changing the front left drive axle to correct this. Anyone have any experience with this repair? I rarely use 4WD (a couple of times a year for a few minutes) and am wondering whether I should bother with this. Thanks.

[Cat Fuzz]

If your CV joint is worn out and popping, you shouldn't hear it when the truck isn't in 4WD and the hubs are unlocked. If you're hearing it in 2WD, unlock your hubs so the axles don't rotate when driving.

If you use 4WD as rarely as you state, the repair could probably wait awhile.

[steffenk]

Thanks. I got clarification on the popping that the mechanic heard. It only happens in 4WD as you pointed out it should.