odd poping crunching noise in front

[Plasma_Jet]

first off

1991 toyota corolla
142,000 miles
all stock no aftermarket kits


started a few days ago, when i turn deep left or right the sound it makes is a popping crunching noise, it reminds me of some on poping there knuckles.

then the car will shudder and steering wheel will jerk then it smooths out. started getting worse it seems when its cold out..the wheel will slightly jerk to the left a bit while driving, freaks me out..

i have read alot of post, internet pages.. and i think replaceing front axles would fix the issue. i have visually checked inside the engine and all seems normal, mounts belts etc all good.

i did check behind tires and the boot is split open on the left drivers side. cvs joint?? tie rods??

if i replace the axle does that get replaced too? i am thinking bout getting my shocks and struts done at this time as they do need it, and trying to figure out best way to tackle this issue.

which leads me to this question... how much do axles cost? and how much would a mechanic charge? i am looking for ball park figure so i dont get ripped off. i have dont my own maintiance to this point but i feel this is a bit over my head without proper tools/place to work.

[eberbs1]

Had the same problem, had a split cv boot, water got into it and that was the end of it, poping and clicking on every turn.
Got a used cv join(the whole axle) from a auto wrecker for $60, got a friend to put it on in under 45min.

[corolliaxe]

I had the same problem so im like 93.45% sure its your CV Axles that are bad. However in my situation it would be louder when i made left turns, but that just meant one side is more gone than the other, i think. oddly enough my car had roughly the same amount miles as you have now when this problem began for me.

you will have to buy the axles for both sides at about 80 dollars a piece for new ones. i've heard its best to buy this part new as opposed to a reman part.

it would be hard to find the problem with a visual inspection b/c the part of the axle that gets worn out is covered by an accordion like rubber boot.

Another thing to keep in mind while you’re doing this repair is to check for a/t fluid leak coming from the differential output where the axles connect to. i hear it is particularly common for the seal on the driver side to leak, but you mind as well replace them both while you’re in there.

[Plasma_Jet]

sounds great.. :P thank your for the information.. i think im going to get a mechanic to do this, its bit cold out to do this atm.. :P

hopefully this fixes it. i will call the shop and get it done asap and post back with results..

[corolliaxe]

i just want to clarify something before you go off and buy anything. im not 100% sure you may need both sides but i was told by my mechanic to get them both. he told me it was good practice to change them both, so its possible it may have not been entirely necessary in my case . i guess the mechanic at the shop could take it around the block and determine that for certain.

i think this type of repair is best left for the shop. it would be very uncomfortable to do without a lift from what i observed. i was watching and helping with the repair, as it was my friends dad who did it for me.

[Plasma_Jet]

i figured about the same might as well get em both done now instead of hoping other holds. :P i am so busy with work and its cold and lacking proper tool/space to work.. yeah mechanic will be doing this :P

[retiredat44]

if you change the axle, be sure to get new tranny axle seals, and some proper lube/gear oil for the tranny, as it will most drian a little when you pull the old half-axle.. and if you try to re-use the old seal it may leak and you would have to pull it again...

(with the manual tranny) not sure about automatic tranny..

also check your other seals when you pull the knuckle around to pull the axle out..