Outer CV joint noise??

[rmurphy5]

Hi all - my cruiser was making a rumbling noise on the pavement side and the noise would worsen when turning away from that side thus loading it up. I assumed it was a bearing which at 270k miles deserve to have been shot. I took it all apart and replaced the bearing - no joy - still as noisy as it was. Can the outer CV make such a noise? The old wheel bearing was perfect by the way!

The cv joints on either side both inner and outer do not get hot and boots are good and no sign of grease loss.

Do they make a rumbling noise I guess is my question?? Do I have to remove the whole unit to change the outer CV joint?

 

[shiner1836]

Your cv joint will typically click while turning at low speeds when it is going bad. Not sure I've ever heard of a rubbing noise. You may want to also look at your upper and lower ball joints. Any work to the CV joint will require you to pull the entire unit out.

 

[FlammableFishie]

From experience, mine clicked very harshly at speed when turning after they were completely shot (read: mud). I haven't heard of a rumbling noise before but if it feels like they're clicking expect to be replacing the axles.

 

[rmurphy5]

Ok thanks guys, I guess I will have to pull the shaft. I was under the impression I only had to split the top ball joint to get enough room to remove the shaft? Does the shaft just pull out of the diff?

Thanks,

Rohan

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

Is it possible that the tire is rubbing? I've noticed a rumbling at full lock low speed turns but haven't gotten out to see if it's a tire rubbing or something else.

 

[FlammableFishie]

Is it possible that the tire is rubbing? I've noticed a rumbling at full lock low speed turns but haven't gotten out to see if it's a tire rubbing or something else.

I wouldn't rule that out, but I'm going to speculate that he's running a 275/70r16 and doesn't have a chance of tire rub. My guess is that with your 295s you probably wouldn't be rubbing like you're describing either. Could be wrong though.

 

[2000UZJ]

270K is a lot of miles on a CV. It's worn grooves in the races and the bearing cage. The wear is caused by highway driving and a mix of city. When you turn, the CV will extend/compress, this pulls the bearings/race out of the wear area and does not rotate smoothly. Leaking or not, I wouldn't expect anything over 100K out of a CV on a truck this heavy.

FYI: Clicking is generally the outboard joint, it has to pivot with the wheels, and deal with the angles of the front suspension. The inboard joint generally forms a wear pattern and rumbles during acceleration, it's the static side of the CV.

 

[RobRed]

Ok thanks guys, I guess I will have to pull the shaft. I was under the impression I only had to split the top ball joint to get enough room to remove the shaft? Does the shaft just pull out of the diff?

Thanks,

Rohan

I recently put in some fresh Axles at 161k...what a difference in smoothness, reduced driveline lash (clunk) and noise.

http://tlcfaq.com/main/2013/04/front-axle-cv-assembly-replacement/

You need to tap the CV out of the diff.

 

[uHu]

Check the spindle bearing while you are in there. 5 mins job, just push the shaft in a bit. That needle/roller beraring doesn't last forever, and when it's shot, you get a strong rumble from the shaft grinding on the brass bushing.