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Axle Shaft Assembly: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT

VEHICLE INSPECTION
1) Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard tripod joint and outboard CV joint; this is a sign of inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp damage.

NOISE AND / OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could be caused by one of the following conditions:
^ Damaged outer CV 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.
^ Noise may also be caused by another component of the vehicle coming in contact with the half shafts.

CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:
^ A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
^ A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
^ A damaged or worn half shaft CV joint.

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

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