how can u tell if the cv drive shaft(axle) and front wheel bearing is bad?

Question

i got a 2000 plymouth breeze.and every time i drive i can feel the vibration and i can hear the humming noise from the front as i accelerate to 35 or 40mph.making left and right turns is ok.but only when i increase speed.noise gets a little louder.and i dont see no grease leakage from the front cv boots.how long do these cv boots or cv drive axle(shaft) last and what needs to be replaced?thanks guys.

Answer 1

CV's typically make a clicking noise when turning corners. Your problem is wheel bearings !!!!

Answer 2

CV joints are just so that you can turn a front wheel drive. Your wheel bearings {except that they are an insert type instead of cone/race} are tested just the same. Jack the front end off the ground and hold the tire at the top and at the bottom alternating push pressure to see how much "play" you have, but if a bearing is making noise-then it's making noise and should be replaced before it damages other more expensive parts! IN OTHER WORDS if you're okay turning then you probably don't have a problem with the CV joints!

Answer 3

The popping sound would lead me to imagine its a ball joint. when you're gonna replace that you'll as well do the wheel bearing too, they don't look to be expensive. I have a 96 and that i have observed an excellent type of play contained in the guidance rack, i'd inspect the guidance linkage ball joints as well. so a ways as telling the distinction between both, i'm not particular yet replacing the wheel bearings isn't that not ordinary, you may purely favor to do this and observe if it helps.

Answer 4

Bad vibration is an indicator of a bad inboard CV joint, clicking when turning are indicators of worn outboard units. The absolute sure way to check is to remove the shaft assy and check the joints for wear though usually when they get bad enough to be felt through the steering you most always can spot torn boots, grease everywhere, etc.