thumping sound when turning at low speeds...what is it?
02-21-2005, 08:00 PM
#1
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thumping sound when turning at low speeds...what is it?
I just noticed a thumping sound when turning at low speeds. From what i have read, i understand that it could be CV joints, but how can I check? The alignment seems a little off too (the car goes a little to the left when i let go, and straight ahead coresponds to a slightly turned steering wheel.) What should I check first? Alignment? Tire rotation? Power Steering? Any help is appreciated!
02-21-2005, 09:28 PM
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look at the boots first and see if they're torn. look for grease leaking out of the boots. look at both the inner and outer. first thing to check for alignment is your tire pressure - make sure all 4 are @ the recommended psi. also check your treadwear, make sure there is no uneven wear. then rotate the tires, swap left front and right rear, and right front and left rear. if you do all that and you have problems still, take it to an alignment shop..
02-21-2005, 10:21 PM
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I looked at the right boot breifly and there is about 1/2 inch gap between the widest part of the boot and whatever is adjacent to it. (it's not torn) It doesn't look like there is too much grease everywhere. If i get the boots replaced will that fix the problem? or is it too late and will require the CV joints to be replaced too?
02-22-2005, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by sbddude
I looked at the right boot breifly and there is about 1/2 inch gap between the widest part of the boot and whatever is adjacent to it. (it's not torn) It doesn't look like there is too much grease everywhere. If i get the boots replaced will that fix the problem? or is it too late and will require the CV joints to be replaced too?
02-22-2005, 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by sryth
Can you be a little more descriptive about this gap?
02-22-2005, 07:25 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by sbddude
I looked at both the left and right side this time, and i can tell that the left side is ok. The CV boot looks to be in the right place. However, the right side is 1/2 inch to 1 inch seperated from where it connects to the wheel. When looking closely i see grease (chunky black stuff) covering around the CV boot. I also had a friend sit in the car and turn the wheel. Listening under the hood, left wheel well and right wheel well, the noise is most noticable on the right side. So, from all this is the right CV joint bad (there is 1 per side right?) ? Or is just the boot need to be replaced? Thanks in advance!
I said is the cv joint... a few months ago...it happened to me ... and the noise will increase if the grease keeps getting off until you hear the metal this will be louder while your driving slowly will be more noticeable.
i will recomend you change the boots if your axles are fine...do it now... dont wait until the sound get worst then you will need to replace the whole axle...
02-22-2005, 08:47 PM
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no. don't just replace the boot, and definitely don't be ghetto and put a silicone bead on the tear 
you're going to want to rebuild the cv joint. there are two joints on each end of the halfshaft - you have 4 total. left inner and outer, and right inner and outer. usually the outer ones are the ones that go bad, because they move with the steering knuckle, and they take the most abuse. just make sure you rebuild the joint(s) that are bad before you replace the boot. do some research, there's how-to's all over the internet on how to rebuild/replace axleshafts. good luck...
you're going to want to rebuild the cv joint. there are two joints on each end of the halfshaft - you have 4 total. left inner and outer, and right inner and outer. usually the outer ones are the ones that go bad, because they move with the steering knuckle, and they take the most abuse. just make sure you rebuild the joint(s) that are bad before you replace the boot. do some research, there's how-to's all over the internet on how to rebuild/replace axleshafts. good luck...
02-22-2005, 10:37 PM
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I'd recommend replacing the axle. It'll cost you ~$40 more to do the whole axle, but I consider it $40 well spent; rebuilding joints is very messy work. Also, you could get the joint apart and find out you have to replace it...much easier to buy a new axle and be done with it.
02-23-2005, 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by sryth
I'd recommend replacing the axle. It'll cost you ~$40 more to do the whole axle, but I consider it $40 well spent; rebuilding joints is very messy work. Also, you could get the joint apart and find out you have to replace it...much easier to buy a new axle and be done with it.
02-23-2005, 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by 200KStrong
Does the axle consist of the joint and boot?
02-23-2005, 09:56 AM
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I took it in this morning and they told me that the left side is ok but they are replacing the boot, and the right side needs a new axle. Total cost, $200. Thanks for all the help!
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