Axle Shaft Assembly: Testing and Inspection

HALFSHAFT DIAGNOSIS

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:

1. Loose hub nut. Using a click-style torque wrench, tighten hub nut to 244 Nm (180 ft. lbs.).
2. Damaged outer CV or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps, which is evident by the presence of grease slung outward from the joint. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
3. 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, which is evident by the presence of grease slung outward from the joint. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
2. A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the halfshaft assembly. This may be accompanied by the visible loss of grease.
3. A damaged or worn halfshaft CV joint. Isolate the noise to one side of the vehicle. Replace only the affected side. Replacing both halfshafts is not necessary.

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION

This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:

1. A worn or damaged halfshaft inner tripod joint. Isolate the condition to one side of the vehicle. Replace only the affected side. Replacing both halfshafts is not necessary.
2. A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only). Isolate the condition to one side of the vehicle. Replace only the affected side. Replacing both halfshafts is not necessary.
3. Improper wheel balance.

VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS

This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:

1. Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s).
2. Out of balance front tires or wheels.
3. Improper tire and/or wheel runout.