Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Testing and Inspection

HALFSHAFT VISUAL INSPECTION
(1) Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard tripod joint and outboard C/V joint; this is a sign of inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp damage.
(2) A light film of grease may appear on the inner tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal and should not require replacement of the seal boot. All inner tripod joint seal boots are made of silicone rubber; which will allow the weeping (sweating) of the joint lubricant to pass through it while in operation.

NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could be caused by one of the following conditions:
(1) Damaged outer C/V or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
(2) Noise may also be caused by another component of the vehicle coming in contact with the halfshafts.

CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:
(1) A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the halfshaft assembly.
(2) A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the halfshaft assembly.
(3) A damaged or worn halfshaft C/V joint.

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of:
(1) A worn or damaged halfshaft inner tripod joint.
(2) A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only).
(3) Improper wheel alignment.

VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of:
(1) Foreign material (mud, snow, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s).
(2) Out of balance front tires or wheels.
(3) Improper tire and/or wheel runout.