90% sure my inner cv joints are shot, need advice concerning them.

[mopardude87]

Yeah the shaking and vibrating while minimum was gradually getting worst and the axle noise became even more evident as of recently. My original assumption was correct but has been masked by the control arm repair i guess as time of that repair that was the worst of issues. Jumped on it and picked up a new axle and had it slapped on it.

Now there is absolutely zero shaking vibrating or shuddering. The bucket where the inner bearings sat one of the groves had about 3 millermeters deep of where bearings appeared to have been banging around for quite some time with other various damage as well on another grove.

Majority of the grease was gone and besides a little of the wet grease that resided whatever was left was practically clay like. Inner cv Boot ripped with relative ease during removal as well.

Car drives as smooth and clean as i could ever want now.

 

[EXCellR8]

Yea I recently discovered one of my inner CV boots ripped and spewed green gunk all over the underside of the engine compartment in my Impreza. The CV assembly was easy enough to get out without making an absolute mess but the new one doesn't want to fully seat in the trans for some reason. Going to look at the two more closely and use a bit of oil to see if I can get it in.

As a side note my hub, tie rod ends, break backer plate and front struts are getting pretty crusty but I don't really feel like doing all that work myself.

Also a side note... my HF impact wrench, which previously worked great, decided to be difficult and the trigger is stuck so it just goes like mad when it's connected to an air source. This really set me back because getting the lower strut bolts off by hand is like an exercise in madness.

 

[NutBucket]

I'm glad you all have had better luck with cheap reman axles. I used to buy those but I had various issues with them. At least once the axle was bad to the point where I installed it and it was "clicking" as soon as I pulled out of the driveway. Another time the splines on the hub side were dinged up and wouldn't slip into the hub. I had to use a file to fix that and get it to fit. Basically I don't think they're rebuilt beyond adding new grease and installing a new boot.

Now days I just buy the OEM boot kit for around $30 which includes the boot, clamps, grease, etc and replace it myself. Unless you're abusing your car the cv joints really shouldn't wear out. As stated, if the boot tears and the grease is lost (and dirt gets in) then they'll wear.

 

[EXCellR8]

Don't you need to use a press to crimp and seal the new boots?

I think it's hit or miss with the re-manufactured CV's, kind of like the aftermarket ones. Some are pretty good and others seem to miss the mark.

 

[mopardude87]

I'm glad you all have had better luck with cheap reman axles. I used to buy those but I had various issues with them. Unless you're abusing your car the cv joints really shouldn't wear out. As stated, if the boot tears and the grease is lost (and dirt gets in) then they'll wear.

I went for brand new, paid a bit more for a Autozone gold but it was in stock at the store. The shaking and noises became so bad i was afraid to wait days for one to come in the mail before the car up and busted itself and left me stranded.

I had a shop put it in for $80, i lacked the tools and well i wasn't exactly sure if i wanted to tackle it anyways.

I guess the grease in the boots may have cooked itself into this clay like deal. There was essentially no wet grease besides a little bit crammed in the groves of the boots lol.

 

[NutBucket]

Don't you need to use a press to crimp and seal the new boots?

I think it's hit or miss with the re-manufactured CV's, kind of like the aftermarket ones. Some are pretty good and others seem to miss the mark.

No, you can pull the band clamps tight with normal pliers. Just need to be careful. There's also a special tool for it that you can get on Amazon for about $20. I mean, in the end it's a rubber boot so you don't want to squeeze it until it breaks.

 

[EXCellR8]

Hm, I'll probably hang onto the old axle and see if I can repair the boot then, because honestly having a spare CV that I know is OEM is not a bad option.