I've got Advance Auto lifetime reman. axles on my 90 Accord LX. They've been on there for 60,000 miles, since 1999. They aren't clicking, and the boots aren't torn at all, but I'm getting a noise that's unfamiliar.

I know what a clicking CV axle sounds like when it's going out, but this is more of a "knock" from the right front, and it's speed dependent, not RPM dependent. It doesn't even do it on sharp turns. More often, it's when I'm going straight and correct the steering just a little left or right.

I think there's only 3 things it could be:
1. Axle and/or it's "remanufactured" bearings
2. wheel bearing (replaced once already in 1998)
3. Differential bearing inside the tranny.

Keep in mind this car and it's engine/tranny have 248k miles on them. I even have a spare 5spd tranny in the garage for when the inevitable happens...

Opinions?

 

do you know how to check the cv axle?

do a check and see if it's axle related or not

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2+2=5 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">do you know how to check the cv axle?

do a check and see if it's axle related or not</TD></TR></TABLE>

The only way I know how to check them is to listen for the clicking of worn joints when turning, and inspect the boots for tears. Is there another way?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nuc79 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The only way I know how to check them is to listen for the clicking of worn joints when turning, and inspect the boots for tears. Is there another way?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah. Pull the axle out.. un-do the clips on the boots, pull the boots down to expose the joint. You can pull it out of the housing (it will be messy) and look for broken or worn end pieces. There are three squares (easiest way to explain) that sit on prongs on the shaft. They are covered with grease for lubrication. Don't be afraid, it's a simple system and you can't mess it up unless you are an invalid. I would draw you a picture but don't have the time. When you re-assemble it, the squares must line up straight to go in. It would be easier if you had 3 hands or a helper to keep them in line as you put it back in. Add more grease if you accidently dumped some. Put the boots back on and strap them up.

If any of it is damaged, it's easily repaired by any axle repair shop. Good luck.

 

thanks for all the good info. I'll take them out rotate the joints, feeling for play and listening for noise. If I'm in doubt, I'll probably just exchange them though rather than removing the boots & inspecting. I still have the the receipt in the glovebox, and they were lifetime warrantied.