Making sound when turning with good cv boots?

[shanzhu1]

Hi, everyone,

I got 96 Camry V6 LE and I recently found that it starts to make
some kind of click sound in sharp turning (left turn only). The sound
is not loud though.

I also found that if I keep the car turning (with steer wheel to the lock
position at left), the sound only occurs at beginning when I turn the
wheel to the position close to lock. It then disappers even if I keep
steer wheel at the lock position ( so the car keeps circling making
me dizzy .

I then checked the CV boots and found they are clean and not broken even
though it seems that there are some cracks on them.

I also tested on backing up my car with either direction and I did not hear any
noise.

Anyone know what could be the possible cause?

Thanks,

-shan

[AlphaMale]

These cars are notorious for CV boot cracks. The previous owner may have drove with torn boots for a while, and then replaced them before selling to you months ago. All the dirt that got inside might start showing its effects right now, so I think you'll have to replace your driveshafts. G'luck.

[fredk]

the good boot might be hiding a bad cv joint

[karugs]

If you've cleared the CV joints of problems, go for ball joints or caster bushings.

[500KCamry]

I think you can release the large boot clamp and pull the boot back while it's on the car and inspect the joint or add more grease. It's tight, but I think it can be done. If it's the joint and it's minor like that, I'd drive it and put some more mileage on it before you change it. If it clicks, taking it apart, cleaning it and regreasing it won't stop the clicking. With the 92-96 you are stuck buying the whole half axle.

[Toysrme]

Just go ahead and replace the halfshaft. Doesn't cost much more.

[shanzhu1]

Thanks guys, for you replies.

I forgot to mention that I am the first owner of the car and the car has only
67k miles on it. The current CV boots are the orignal.

I once thought that I can take off (slide off) the boots and take a look at
the joints, but I suspect the boots are old and I might not be able to put
them back without breaking them since they already have some cracks on
them (but not broken).

I also checked the balljoint and the boots (very small) appear to be ok.

The thing is that if I change the transaxles, I may not fix the problem if
the cause of the noise is not found. Plus, here in DFW area, changing one
side transaxle costs around $200 or more.

The question I have is that if it were the CV joint, why it does not make
continuous noise when I keeps the car turning?

Also, is it rare that the boots never break, but the joints break first?

Thanks

-shan

[TheMajesticking]

Originally Posted by fredk

the good boot might be hiding a bad cv joint

As far as it stopping once you get going. It only does it because of the sudden jolt.

[500KCamry]

If the boot stays intact, the joint should be protected. The joints should last a long time, and outlast the boot, so long as you drive reasonably.

You can make the joint last longer by avoiding hard acceleration with the wheels turned, wait till the wheels straighten before you step on it, lol. You can make the boot last longer by avoiding sharp turns when the boots are cold, or in sub-zero weather.

You mentioned the boot is cracked, if it is cracked right through, it should be replaced as soon as you notice it.