Axle Shaft Assembly: Testing and Inspection

HALF SHAFT

CAUTION

CAUTION: Never grasp half shaft assembly by the boots. This may cause the boot to pucker or crease and reduce the service life of the boot. Avoid over angulating or stroking the C/V joints when handling the half shaft. Half shafts exposed to battery acid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid or gasoline may cause the boots to deteriorate. Failure to follow these instruction will result in damage.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Check inboard and outboard C/V joint for leaking grease. This is a sign of boot or boot clamp damage.

NOISE/VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise or vibration in turns could be caused by a damaged outer C/V or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss/contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint. Noise could 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 damaged or worn C/V joint. A torn boot or loose/missing clamp on the inner/outer joint which has allowed the grease to be lost will damage the C/V joint.

SHUDDER VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This could be a worn/damaged inner tripod joint or a sticking tripod joint. Improper wheel alignment may also cause a shudder or vibration.

VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of out of balance front tires or tire/wheel runout. Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s) will also cause a vibration.