CV Joint

[accuab]

2002 GP GT 150k
Is there a certain point at which a cv joint should fail? I recently started having a popping in my front end that confirmed today when I took off the right wheel and found the cv joint had thrown lube all over everything around it. Is there any particular reason why it gave or it is just cause of the amount of miles on the car. BTW I have an older mechanic that is gonna get a new cv axle and do the work for only $120.

[richtazz]

What happened is the boot that contains the grease failed, which isn't uncommon at your mileage. After the grease ist thrown out, it's only a matter of time before the joint wears out. $120 part included is a steal of a deal for CV axle installation. Just make sure he doesn't use an impact wrench on the axle nut, and tightens it to the proper spec by hand with a torque wrench. Failure to do so will result in premature ABS sensor/hub bearing failure.

[wafrederick]

Blame it some flatbed drivers too sometimes.They hook the hooks near the boots and get torn needing a new axle.You cannot harm the wheelbearing/abs sensor when tightening the axle nut with an impact wrench.Plus there is no imposssible way to torque it to the specs.The axle nut is very impossible to over tighten.Most shops probally tighten the axle nut with an impact wrench wanting the vehicle in and out

[richtazz]

wafrederick, I don't know where you get your information from but you are dead wrong.
1. It is very possible and highly probable to damage a hub by under or over tightening it.
2. The hammering action of an impact wrench can and most often will damage the ABS sensor contained in many hub bearings.
3. How can it be nearly impossible to get the torque right when any manual (and most aftermarket hubs), give you the proper torque spec and you can buy a decent torque wrench for about $50? You have been warned before about your bogus advice, it may be time for a vacation from AF since you don't seem to listen. We moderators will not tolerate blatent bad advice on AF!

[BNaylor]

Not to mention under or over torquing an axle/spindle nut is the number one cause of bearing failure. Torque specs and the proper methodology are there for a reason.

Here is an interesting link from National Bearing Co. and use of an air impact wrench.

Click here

[wafrederick]

I do it all the time and not a comeback yet.A 1/2 square drive torque wrench at least goes up to 150 ft pounds and you have to do it twice.My fathersays it is 100% impossible to torque the axle nut to specs.The best torque spec is the German torque spec: Good and tight.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

.A 1/2 square drive torque wrench at least goes up to 150 ft pounds and you have to do it twice.My fathersays it is 100% impossible to torque the axle nut to specs.The best torque spec is the German torque spec: Good and tight.

It is quite obvious you have never seen or even used a torque wrench. Do it twice??? I have a 1/2 inch drive click off torque wrench thats goes up to 250 lb-ft which works fine for torquing axle nuts and hubs on '97 - '03 Grand Prix models.

The typical GM torque specs depending on year are:

'01-'04 - 159 ft-lbs
'98-'00 - 118 ft-lbs
'95-'97 - 151 ft-lbs

What has your father been smoking?

[tblake]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

I do it all the time and not a comeback yet.A 1/2 square drive torque wrench at least goes up to 150 ft pounds and you have to do it twice.My fathersays it is 100% impossible to torque the axle nut to specs.The best torque spec is the German torque spec: Good and tight.

Wow, dude.

Reminds me of the time when you told us to torque the Intake Manifold bolts with an impact wrench. OUCH!

[richtazz]

Obviously the nut doesn't fall far from the tree, Welcome to Badlandia Wafrederick!

Originally Posted by wafrederick

I do it all the time and not a comeback yet.A 1/2 square drive torque wrench at least goes up to 150 ft pounds and you have to do it twice.My fathersays it is 100% impossible to torque the axle nut to specs.The best torque spec is the German torque spec: Good and tight.

[tblake]

HA HA, Be nice Rich, maybe he just doesnt know...

BTW Wafrederick, My snapon 1/2 inch drive torque wrench goes up to 250 foot lbs. So, I dont have to "do it twice". Only once for me!!

[richtazz]

He knows Tim. He's been given multiple warnings about this type of garbage advice by more than one moderator. His actions have resulted in a vacation from AF. We cannot have this guy going around telling people torque specs don't matter and it's ok to use an impact on an ABS hub bearing.