Bad CV axle?

Cygan1008

New member
Ok guys and gals,

Sorry to be long winded here but I'm trying to be as detailed as possible:

I've already discussed this on the 4th gen thread and I've been trying to figure this out and am about to change the axles out because I just can't find anything else that it may be at the moment. Thought maybe it was worth asking here before I pull the trigger.

I have a 2003 Sport Edition V8 4x4 it is the all time 4 wheel drive and was stock until a few months ago when I added a daystar 2.5/1.5 spacer lift. I immediately got an alighnment found out the lower control arm bushings and cam bolts were seized in place so after ordering moog replacement I took it in, had them installed and had the alignhment done. My wife drove it home and didnt notice anything. The next day I climbed under to check out the new parts and grease the drive shaft. While there I greased the new greasable cam bolts as well and it sat in the garage for a few days. The next time I drove it I started noticing a popping noise coming from the front end. After driving it for a while, looking under it, jiggeling, prying, checking bolts and everything else, the only thing I could find is that the cam bolts were a little loose. Took it back in told them and they tightened everything up again and re did the alignment. The popping noise stopped for about a day and came back.

I have since swapped the daystar kit and 170K mile xreas for a new TRD Tacoma suspension and got an alignment again and again it pops. I have had the shop check ball joints and everything they can to try to identify the problem but they can't find any of those componets at fault and say they are all in good condition.

When the lift was put on the axles did leak grease until I could get the new straps in and put on which fixed that. Is it possible that they lost to much grease and that is the cause? is it possible that since the axles have 170K miles of wear on them and then the increased angle from the lift is causing it?

The best way I can describe it is a metal binding pop. It definately sounds to be coming from the middle section of the front end around where the stearing and cv axels are located but it is very hard to isolate the location because it only does it as you start to move and I just cant stay in position under the vehicle while its moving to find it.

I can sit still in park, drive or reverse and turn the wheels all i want with not sound but as soon as I start to move with them turned its starts. It is primarily in reverse but has happened moving forward as well.

I have had a very similar sound come from the front wheel u joints in two straight axle trucks i have had in the past when they were in 4 low and turning.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt
 
Register to hide this ad
Does it happen when just going straight or happen when turning and driving? From what you are describing it sounds like a bad CV. Tough to tell without actually hearing but if you had 175k miles and then installed a lift that could be your prob.

Napa Max Drive CVs are a good replacement with lifetime warranty. Or you can get some from Rockauto for a good price too.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,066
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top