Cv joints on a 2000 grand am...not clicking but grinding..?

Question

Most everything I read says that they are bad if they pop when you turn. Mine don't. for about 4 months mine just whines like either I've got a flat or you could describe it as you can hear the tires turning. Is it safe to drive like this or is my car gonna fall apart? I'm a girl so I need REAL advice please.

Answer 1

have a reliable mechanic look at it it could be a wheel bearing. but it needs to be looked at soon.

Answer 2

That would be a really odd noise for a CV axle. Not such an odd noise for a wheel bearing though. In fact, that would be my first guess based on your description.

The front wheel bearings are a common problem on this chassis. When they wear they make a sort of low howling sound that often will change pitch depending on whether you are driving straight ahead or turning to one side or the other. To test for a loose bearing jack the wheels up off the ground, grab the tire at the top and bottom and rock it back and forth. If you get any movement you have the answer.

The bearings on this car are not servicable like in the old days - they can not be re-packed. The bearings are permanently pressed inside the wheel hub along with the ABS sensor and ring and the whole thing needs to be replaced as a unit. It's actually not a very hard job to do for someone with basic mechanical skill but the replacement part is expensive - up to $200 each depending on the quality you go with.

Answer 3

Rotors should NOT get really warm and would do so only if the brake pads were dragging. If it is grinding it is metal to metal --no brakes anymore and you are ruining the rotors. Clunk on both sides could be ball joints are worn. Yes if one is worn the other is close behind. CV's are more a click,click,click when the wheel is turn hard one way or the other and happen while you are moving. In any case take it in, sounds like it needs work and do it soon before the rotors get damaged severely and have to be replaced instead of just reground.

Answer 4

If they pop they are about to go if they are whining they are kinda building up to pop. I'm a Heavy Goods Mechanic, not worked on cars for a few years and never US cars, but I would go with either wheel bearing or like u say, the cv joints need replacing. Sooner rather than later, as if it goes when you are driving you will lose control, as if wheel bearing the wheel can seize and that will drag you round... not good if on freeway! If cv joints not AS serious but still need doing or it'll run into $$$$$ Like Mark F says try jacking car up and rocking wheel by hand. Not a big job but parts = money unfortunately. Good luck

Answer 5

Sudden failures of constant velocity joints are rare, but CV joints do wear out and may fail as a result of loss of lubrication or grease contamination (usually due to a failed boot). A CV joint that is failing usually produces various symptoms:

A popping or clicking noise when turning. This almost always indicates a worn or damaged outer CV joint. A quick way to verify this condition is to put the car in reverse, crank the steering wheel to one side and drive the vehicle backwards in a circle (check the rearview mirror first!). If the noise gets louder, it confirms the diagnosis and the need for a new joint or replacement shaft assembly.

A "clunk" when accelerating, decelerating or when putting the transaxle into drive. This kind of noise can come from excessive play in the inner joint on FWD applications, either inner or outer joints in a RWD independent suspension, or from the driveshaft CV joints or U-joint in a RWD or 4WD powertrain. Be warned, though, that the same kind of noise can also be produced by excessive backlash in the differential gears. A quick way to verify the diagnosis here is to back the vehicle up, alternately accelerating and decelerating while in reverse. If the clunk or shudder is more pronounced, it confirms a bad inner joint.

A humming or growling noise. Sometimes due to inadequate lubrication in either the inner or outer CV joint, this symptom is more often due to worn or damaged wheel bearings, a bad intermediate shaft bearing on equal length halfshaft transaxles, or due to worn shaft bearings within the transmission.

A shudder or vibration when accelerating. Excessive play in either the inboard or outboard joints can sometimes cause this, but the most likely cause is a worn inboard plunge joint. These kinds of vibrations can also be caused by a bad intermediate shaft bearing on transaxles with equal length halfshafts. On FWD vehicles with transverse-mounted engines, this kind of vibration can also be caused by loose or deteriorated engine/transaxle mounts. For this reason, the rubber bushings in the upper "torque strap" or "dog bone" on these engines should also be inspected to rule out this possibility.

A vibration that increases with speed. This symptom is rarely caused by a failing CV joint or by FWD halfshaft imbalance. An out-of-balance tire or wheel, an out-of-round tire or wheel, or a bent rim are the more likely causes.

Answer 6

CV joints don't grind, It has to be either a bad wheel bering or something wrong with the brakes, get looked at asap

Answer 7

mark f has the best answer so far.it sounds like a wheel bearing to me. but something i would add is get this taken care of fast. this is putting a tremendous strain on all the other parts of the suspension. and it is not unheard of for the wheel to fall off because of this! i have over 20 years experience as a mechanic. don't mess around with this one, in the advanced failer you could cause a accident!

Answer 8

well dear,a bad cv joint will click when you make a turn,but you say it grinds.it sounds more like a bearing then a cv joint.

Answer 9

it may be the hub bearings or worn brakes... Have a friend jack it up and remove the wheel. then turn the hub by hand, listen for any funny noises

Answer 10

go to a shop it is better to pay for the repair or check then to louse your life or hurt someone when the staring goes out.. get it checked by a pro... auto work shop.....