Date:         Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:26:35 -0500
Reply-To:     mordo <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mordo <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      CV Joint diagnosis
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I was about to ask the list about the tick-tocking in the rear that I
suspect to be a bad CV joint when I looked at the entry in Wikipedia. I
thought this was a very apt description:


>   Faultfinding and diagnosis
> >
> > Constant velocity joints are usually reliable and largely trouble-free.
> > The two main failures are wear and partial seizure.
> >
> > Wear in the outer joint usually shows up as vibration at certain speeds,
> > a bit like the vibration caused by an unbalanced wheel. To determine if the
> > joint is worn, find a big empty car park and drive the car slowly in tight
> > circles, left and right. Worn joints will make a rhythmic clicking or
> > cracking noise. Wear in the inner joints shows up as a "clunk" or "pop" when
> > applying power, or if severe, when lifting off the throttle.
> >
> > Partial seizure causes a strange "pattering" sensation through the
> > suspension. It is caused by the joint overheating, which in turn is usually
> > caused by the outer joint gaiter having split, allowing the joint to throw
> > out its grease. If caught in time, you can clean the joint carefully, repack
> > with grease and replace the gaiter.
> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constant_velocity_joint
> >
>
It sounds like I've got a bad inner and outer as I have a bit of both
noises. The tocking sound that I used to get only when I let off the
throttle is now fairly steady at all speeds. But, I've also always noticed
that something seems out of balance like with the outer joint. SO, I'm going
to replace all four.

Any best manufacturer recommendations?

--
mordo
1990 Carat