low speed clunking noise

[totc]

Hi,

I just bought a 1999 V6 car with a manual transmission. When driving at low speeds, there is a clunking noise that I am fairly confident is my CV joints. I know this is bad and I am going to have to get them fixed. I have looked at the DIY section and all I find is a post for the 4 cyl car. Is it the same for a V6? Thanks.

[buck987si]

*edit* the information and photos on this post relate to vehicles with the i4. post 29 refers to vehicles with the v6.

this is a "how to" on replacing the passenger's side CV boots (warning- many photos)

I just changed out both sides on my Mom's 97 4cyl. about a month ago. I'm not certain if your 6cyl job is for the most part the same as our 4cyl but here are some hints that helped me out. The post is about repairing the joint itself, but it is also the same procedure for changing out the complete shaft(half shaft).

ghettosled had a excellent tip about not having to disconnect any of the steering or suspension parts after removing the cotter pins and axle nuts(see post #16).

I can't remember exactly who another member said to use 2 pry bars simultaneously to remove the driver side half shaft from the tranny.

The passenger side shaft gives people difficulties in areas where rust makes the carrier bearing a b@#% to remove if frozen together. Don't forget to remove the bolt holding it in and spraying it daily for at least a week with pb blaster may help with that carrier bearing issue.

I'm sure someone with more experience with the 6cyl will correct me if there are any differences.

Good luck with your repairs

[buck987si]

Lol, it's time for me to call it a night. But before then I should ask. Is it a clunking sound? If so it could very well be the rubber bushings on the sway bar. It could also be the end links of the sway bar. It could be the strut mounts or the bolts may not have been tightened or have come loose over time if not torqued correctly.

If it is your cv joint/shaft it would be a clicking sound and would only click while turning either direction.

Hope this helps

[totc]

Originally Posted by buck987si

Lol, it's time for me to call it a night. But before then I should ask. Is it a clunking sound? If so it could very well be the rubber bushings on the sway bar. It could also be the end links of the sway bar. It could be the strut mounts or the bolts may not have been tightened or have come loose over time if not torqued correctly.

If it is your cv joint/shaft it would be a clicking sound and would only click while turning either direction.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the alternative. I imagine that would be an easier fix. I'll have to check it out and see.

[Mister_Perkins]

To confirm .. Grab the axles and push uP and pull down. If there is a lot of play (slop)likely they are bad.

Axles can make noise in any direction, especially if there is other problems with the car such as differential bearings.