I get a knocking/clicking noise that sounds like it's from the cv joint or something, but not when I'm turning specifically, rather when I lift off the throttle. if I get back on the throttle it goes away. The longer I am driving at a sustained high speed before lift off, the worse it gets, to the point where after a 30 min trip on the highway, when I slow down for the exit it is beyond just noise and the whole steering wheel vibrates. In contrast when I first start the car and haven't gone high speeds, no noticeable noise.

There is some play (maybe 1/8 inch) if I pull the axle in and out on the axles on both sides. Is that normal? The boots aren't busted, the wheel is on the hub tight, and the tie rods were recently replaced.

Could this be from an axle cv boot or something else?

Thanks.

 

Sounds like the nuckles in the CV are going. Not all CV's bust a boot when their done... Wiggle the axel 9 and 3 oclock then in and out if you hear any noise its the cv axles for sure...

That and what you describes make me think it for sure since when you apply gas it makes the noise aka applying torque, where the CV sees most of it and if theirs any none spec play then will make a clunking noise.

 

You can also rule out other suspension components by doing the bounce test on all four corners of the car. If there is not abnormal sounds from the bounce tests and everything is tight when you try and wiggle it, then it's most likely in your axles.

 

Motor mount?

 

I am having this exact same problem with my EM1. I know the lower torque mounts are bad so I ordered those. I also suspect the axle is bad because it has a little play in it when I tug on it. Is this normal? Also the half shaft bearing has play in it. I am gonna just replace the axle and half shaft while im at it.