CV shafts?

[panama-rick]

Just wanted all of you guys opinions. When I turn my Aurora all the way to the left even when I am not moving it makes a clunking noise. Someone told me it might be my CV shafts, if so would this be something I would be able to replace?

Also how would I be able to tell that this is the problem?

[zephram22]

It may be the shafts. It may not be.

The constant-velocity (CV) shaft, boot and joints are all part of the same assembly and are used on front-wheel-drive and many four-wheel-drive vehicles. One shaft assembly is used per side, and is sometimes dubbed a ?half-shaft.? The transmission?s output shaft connects to the inner CV joint. The inner joint has the ability to slide in and out and therefore make minor changes in the overall length of the shaft assembly. This is important to allow for changes in suspension travel and ride height. From there, the main portion of the axle shaft connects the outer CV joint. Both the inner and the outer joints are covered with a protective boot. The outer CV joint has the inherent ability to provide even torque transfer, even while the wheels are turned sharply. The CV joint then connects to a stub shaft that joins with the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Older front-wheel-drive vehicles used to use unequal length shafts, which led to a driving characteristic known as ?torque steer?-pulling to one side while accelerating. Today, most cars have equal length shafts on both sides, which neutralizes the effects of torque steer.

Have your car's CV boots inspected at every oil change. CV boots can be easily damaged from rocks, sticks, ice and just normal wear. When a CV boot tears or cracks, the lubricant packed inside is free to move out of the CV joint and dirt is now allowed into the joint. Unless the damage to the boot is discovered quickly, it?s likely that the joint will also need to be replaced along with the boot. A replacement axle may be the wisest choice, depending on cost. The symptom of a bad outer CV joint is usually a clicking noise while turning. A shudder, vibration or clunking sound when accelerating or decelerating usually means trouble in the inner CV joint. Don?t ignore the warning signs of a bad CV joint; you could lose steering or be stranded. Take your car to a qualified service professional as soon as possible to have the source of the drive train problem pinpointed.

Good luck.

[tjm]

A bad strut bearing can cause this noise (mine has it but it's fixing itself) - not dangerous but anoying

[panama-rick]

Would this be an easy fix? How can you tell if this is the problem?

Thanx for the info both of you
Rick

[tjm]

2nd generation Auroras are known to have some CV joint issues but not the Classics. CVs typically make noise while driving and turning and usually get louder or more pronounced if accelerating. (like a tight circle in a parking lot) As Zephram pointed out, don't let it go too long if this is your problem. A catastophic failure of a CV joint is nasty.

The strut bearing is at the top of the strut - if you open the hood and put your hand on the top of the strut tower while someone turns the steering you should be able to feel the noise in your hand.

Replace struts if thats the issue - however, the noise in mine is gradually going away as is someone's in another forum. if it just started then give it some time and maybe you'll get lucky too.

[zephram22]

Originally Posted by zephram22

It may be the shafts. It may not be.

The constant-velocity (CV) shaft, boot and...{snip}

Sorry. I mean to put the above passage in quotations as it it not original writing done by me, but rather a snippet taken from a maintenance web site.

[panama-rick]

Well i've let it go for about a week now and still the noise continues to worsen. I think that it is time to bring it in.

Does anyone know what I can expect to pay to have the CV repair done as I am pretty sure that this is what my problem is.

[BKVic]

Do it yourself, its very simple to do.


BKVic