lunaar20

I have been told by two mechanics that my CV joints need to be replaced. The knocking noise is starting to sound pretty bad in the front whenever I turn left or right. About how much should this cost me? Should I buy the parts myself and just pay for labor? What parts are needed? When I look at websites, I'm confused by the separate parts available. If the mechanic says CV joints, should I buy a CV boot kit? Any help you can provide is appreciated!

bostoncal

cv boot kit sucks and its probably too late since the knocking is bad. see which side the boot is rip and go to autozone and get another one. make sure you remove your stock one so they wont charge you a core charge. its easier this way.

StyLz

Personally I'd just replace the axles just so you know everything is "new" so-to-speak.

AFAccord

If they're already clicking, then they're on their way out the door. You should drive very slowly in a tight circle. I don't recall which one it is, (anyone got some info?) but I'm thinking if you're turning left, and the right side (passenger) axle is clicking then there's your problem. If you're turning right, and the left (driver's) side is clicking then it's that side. I think the bad axle (the one clicking) is on the outside when you're turning. I might have it backwards, so someone clarify.

When you isolate the clicking axle(s), left, right, or both, then you can purchase them from your local autoparts store for around $130, with a $50-70 rebate for turning in the core (the bad axle) once it's replaced. It should run you $50-70 labor per axle to replace them at a shop. If you were to have the shop get the parts and all, then they will charge you around $200 per axle. $130 parts + $70 labor, and they will pocket the core refund.

It's much easier to isolate the bad axle if it breaks, but no one likes that.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P_Adams &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you've a friend brave enough he can look with a flashlight at each axle while you let out the clutch (WITH THE E"BRAKE APPLIED). The broken joint will be identified by the axle rotating, while the corresponding wheel doesn't.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

This was all my experiences based off my own incident where I snapped my axle on a trip. NO FUN.

Here's my original post:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1360114

Elvis1977

What is the mileage on the car? 4 or 6 cylynder? If you hear clicks on a 98 then you must have ALOT of miles OR torn boot for sure.

lunaar20

Thanks - I'm driving like an old lady on turns and U-turns. When I make a left, I hear the knocking noise on the left and vice versa. It's sounding pretty bad these days. I found a mechanic that says he will install for $89 per shaft for a total out the door of $190. Should that cover this whole problem and is that reasonable?

lunaar20

It's a 98 Honda Accord LX 4-Cylinder with 103k on it. Most of it highway mileage.

AFAccord

Like I said, I'm not much help on isolating which one it is before it breaks. Mine's a 99 Accord LX 4cyl with 119K when mine broke. It's not so abnormal. $89 per shaft seems alright for labor, but suspiciously low if that's including the axles. You might find out if he's passing on the core refund savings to you. If that's the reason for low price, then cool. Otherwise, you might be cautious of his work or parts he's using.

AFAccord

If it does happen to be only one axle going bad, then like P said my original post, have them inspect the boot of the other axle to make sure it's not torn. If it's good, then button it up and call it a day.

hondabum

yah that should do it maybe 75 a side if it is just your cv joints but it depends on how much the <TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lunaar20 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have been told by two <U>mechanics </U> </TD></TR></TABLE> charge to put it in

if you Do It Yourself it would be pritty cheap

Elvis1977

103k miles for a 98 is low miles. You must have had a torn boot for some time and now the joint clicks because dirt and water had entered the area. I have a 98 4-cyl with 140k miles and noticed a small tear on the boot with grease coming out. I replaced the boot quickly so not to damage the joint. It's a good habit for everyone to periodically look under their car and see if boots are torn or not.

CRXb18Turbo

It's pretty easy to switch out axles.
I think autozone sale them for 59.99 plus core charge.
you could change it yourself and save the money. Unless you are rich... Then throw me some money. I'm poor

swsupermini.com

Its pretty hard to find a shop that will take your bought parts and install them. Its sort of like bringing a steak in to Black Angus and asking them to cook it for you. part of the cost of the service is the profit they make on the parts. Their margin covers returns if there was something wrong with the parts they bought. What would happen if they installed your axles and one of them died in 30 days. You'd be looking to get it fixed for free. They would not have anything to do with the parts.
I do believe the going rate is about $199 per axle at most places. Its a fairly easy job to do if your mechanically inclinded. Either way you can isolate which side by opening both windows and simply listening for the click...click...click.

And unlike what someone mentioned the shop does NOT keep the core charge. Shops get charged a core charge just like anyone else and they get credit only after they return a rebuildable core.