Vibration Conditions

NOTE: CV joints should not be changed for new ones unless disassembly and inspection revealed unusual wear.

Clicking, popping or grinding noises may be caused by the following:
- cut or damaged front wheel halfshaft joint boots resulting in inadequate or contaminated lube in the outboard or inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing housings.
- loose front wheel halfshaft joint boot clamps.
- another component contacting halfshaft assembly.
- worn, damaged or incorrectly installed wheel bearing, suspension or brake component.

Vibration at highway speeds may be caused by the following:
- out-of-balance front or rear wheels.
- out-of-round tires.

NOTE: Halfshafts are not balanced and do not contribute to rotational vibration disturbances.

Shudder or vibration during acceleration may be caused by the following:
- excessively worn or damaged outboard or inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing housing.
- excessively high CV joint operating angles caused by incorrect ride height. Check ride height, verify correct spring rate and check items under Inoperative Conditions.

Leakage Conditions
1. Inspect CV joint boots for evidence of cracks, tears or splits.
2. Inspect underbody for any indication of grease splatter in the vicinity of front wheel halfshaft join boot, outboard and inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing housing locations, which is an indication of front wheel halfshaft joint boot and/or front wheel halfshaft joint boot clamp damage.
3. Inspect inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing housing seal leakage at inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing housing.
4. Make sure the front axle wheel hub retainer is the correct prevailing torque type.

Inoperative Conditions
If a CV joint or halfshaft pull-out occurs, check the following:
- suspension components for correct location, damage or wear.
- bushings for wear
- sub-frame for damage
- bent or worn components:
- stabilizer bar link
- left-hand front suspension lower arm and bushing
- right-hand front suspension lower arm and bushing
- front wheel hub and spindle