Popping/clicking When Turning In 4WD

[sos314]

I have a 96 4x4 EC that pops/clicks but only when I'm in 4WD and turning. I'm assuming this is a CV joint but it seems weird that it only happens when in 4WD. I can turn all the way to either side in 2WD without any noise at all. Thoughts?

By the way, this is my first post of hopefully many. I used to drive an '86 4Runner and now I'm on a '96 Tacoma 4WD Automatic Extended Cab. I love the thing! Took it wheeling last weekend for the first time and was super impressed. Looking forward to building out the back as a sleeping area for some weekend adventures.

 

[Living in the Past]

The CV joint is just free turning in 4WD is being driven. That could account for only only happening in 4WD. I had a CV joint in my 99 4Runner first time I had it off road first time last year. Noticed later in 2WD turning sharp never while off road. Bought a new one of eBay for $50. Will buy a rebuilt one that has a life time warranty for a trail spare. When mine popped turning I got feed back in the steering wheel. Can you feel anything in the steering wheel?

 

[sos314]

I tested it out today and even at the point it's loudest and most rapidly clicking, I don't feel anything in the steering wheel.

 

[ClevSix]

Lift all 4 wheels off the ground, put it in 4wd, spin things and see if you can find the clicking. I had a similar issue and I found out all I had was a jackass for a friend. He put a zip tie on my front axle. LOL probably not your problem but anyway... Good luck.

 

[honk]

I tested it out today and even at the point it's loudest and most rapidly clicking, I don't feel anything in the steering wheel.

Feeling it in the steering wheel isn't an 'always' thing. Sometimes you will, sometimes not until it's just about to go completely broken.

 

[sos314]

Feeling it in the steering wheel isn't an 'always' thing. Sometimes you will, sometimes not until it's just about to go completely broken.

But in this case it's a never thing.

 

[honk]

But in this case it's a never thing.

Yes, so you said. I was only hoping to impart that there is no characteristic which is necessary to making a diagnosis of failing CV joints. Their failure is usually progressive, starting with an intermittent and often barely noticeable clicking which gradually worsens to a point of considerable noise and immediate catastrophic failure.
At what point a driver might acknowledge a CV problem is subjective, dependent upon several factors such as the level of other noise within the vehicle, the acuity of his or her hearing, or even the proximity of external distractions. Because of this it's conceivable that a joint might fail completely without a driver having received any prior warning sign whatsoever.