Drive shaft replacing

[OOge]

Hi,

Since two days now I hear kind of "scraping" noise in the center of the car when turning to the left. Also I can hear it (weak) when driving straight. I have my thoughts on the half shaft going bad, but can it be something else. And do I need special tools to replace it.

[OOge]

I jacked it up and felt more play on that axle then the other one. So I think it is the half shaft. But can it be something else.. are there bearings in the transfer case that can be the problem...

[LMP]

(1997 Venture) Locating the source of a noise is not easy....and the inner CV joint is not really stressed when turning...possible, rather outer CV, but I have doubts...I would rather suspect brakes (normal maintenance), then wheel bearing (common issue, humming when going straight, less when turning one side, more the other side.).
Brakes are done easily...but for wheel bearing, you need a 55Torx + 34mm socket,,,and dislodge the driving shaft from the hub/bearing assembly BEFORE taking the wheel/tire off. Check brakes first then report.

..I just read the post you entered almost at same time...the transaxle has a bushing on the right side holding shaft straight but it can have some radial play with time, but no "scraping" noise; left side shaft is held over s long inner shaft and keeps steady for very long. YOu said "that axle"....Which side are you talking of?

[OOge]

It really has the noise of a bad CV joint. When I just turned left and I'll put the steering wheel in straight, I hear it making noise for a couple of seconds and then it becomes weaker. I refer to the right passenger side. But it looks like the sound is coming from the center of the car. When I jack it up and turn the wheel it doesn't make sound. Even not when I start the car and give some gas. You can only hear it if the car turns left. Brakes are replaced a few months ago. It is not humming... first it was a clicking noise...

[LMP]

Interesting..what mileage do you have on the car ?
IN any case, if you change that shaft, you need to dislodge shaft from hub bearing assembly (you need that 34mm socket: loosen that nut while the wheel/tire is resting on the ground so not to overstress the transmission, leave nut flat with shaft end and hammer the shaft in to dislodge from bearing using the 34mm socket...unless you have a shaft puller ); after that, jack the car, remove wheel, disconnecet the lower ball joint, and pull all that aside; I did it last summer.
Once shaft end is out from the hub, you can pry with a crowbar by small increments against the transmission case or parts of suspension to snap the inner part of the shaft out from the transmission

p.s. if you have SAE sockets, the nut is actually exactly 1 5/16" , which is what I use ; 33mm is too small, and 34mm will have a little play.....even if this car is supposed to be 100% metric....

[OOge]

my car milage is 160k. Let me try your suggestion this weekend.... thank you

[LMP]

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