How do I know my 88 Carrera CV joints are worn?

[colinsco]

A mechanic told me that the constant clunk-clunk in the rear end was a $2600 differential problem. If I lift the rear off the ground and manipulate the wheel and axle with both hands there is definite, albeit very minor, slack between the axle and the wheel on both sides. The noise never changes in pitch or rythym with speed which I would have thought it would do if the transaxle was in question. 911 has 100K on it. Appreciate any insights before I think about getting parts.

[Early_S_Man]

First suggestion is to find a different mechanic who isn't trying to rob you quite so obviously!

You can try removing, cleaning, and relubing the inner CV joint to see if the noise goes away, or you could replace both axles with CVs ... both DIY projects are doable, and you will get a better feel for the condition of your suspension and drivetrain as a result!

[Grady Clay]

Welcome to the Forum. You will find a lot of help here.
Show us some images of your 911.


There are quite a number of Vancouver Pelicans as well as a couple of shops. As Warren said get more opinions. Once you are sure no damage will be done, drive down to Seattle.

The first thing I would do is to put a wrench on your CV bolts. Your big 108 mm CVs take an 8 mm Allen wrench. Each CV has six 10 mm socket head cap screws – that is 24 screws. The torque spec is 63-66 ft-lbs.

Unless one or more had leaked the grease and been run dry, those CVs should last the life of the car with just fresh grease and new boots (50-100K maintenance).

If you need new axle/CV parts at all, replace both entire axle assemblies. They are available from our host (911-332-033-08-M60, US$243.25 each). Replacing a single CV joint is worth it if you Do It Yourself (DIY). Be sure and buy new Schnorr lock washers and replace damaged bolts.

For perspective, PCNA charges US$537.19 each for the same part just in a Porsche box.

Check out this thread about CV joints by Pelican rcecale
”Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints”
This is a 2-hour thread and worth every minute.

Best,
Grady

PS,
Warren, I might have given someone a price like that without knowing any real facts. We were heroes so many times because I made sure the customer heard the high price not some low-ball. Imagine going to your office with a number like that in your head and get a call in a couple of hours that the bill is under $100.

I helped write the strong Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act. The CA version will put MM away. What are BC consumer protection laws?
G

[colinsco]

Thanks all. Grady, I read the CV thread and believe my next task is to take off the boots and re-grease and re-torque as Warren suggests and see if that reduces the noise. All the boots look clean and dry and with 100K on them it may just be time to change them. Off to Montreal for a week so looking forward to getting dirty when I return.
-Colin
PS, it's a cherry Carrera and I will post some photos. And I am in Seattle so if you have some specific guidance to residents here I'd love to hear it.

[Grady Clay]

Colin,

While in Seattle you should visit John Walker.

john walker's workshop
7613 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, WA, 98103-4629
206-789-6800
jwworkshop@aol.com
MAP-LG
MAP-SM


I’m still adamant about your not driving with the noise without checking the CV bolts. You can do this in many service stations in 30 minutes. Do you have the 911 with you in Seattle?

If you have the 911 up on a ramp lift (where it is sitting on its wheels) you can grab the center of the axle shaft and it should move smoothly axially about 2 cm (it takes some force). There should be no radial play. Rotational play is a little more difficult to determine as one rear wheel needs to be on the ground, the transmission in 4th and the other wheel off the ground. It is often difficult to separate the various clearances – CV joints, loose CV, differential, ring & pinion, 4th gear or clutch. They are all cumulative.


When were your axles last disconnected (if ever, HeHe)?
need help, CV Joint Failure '77' Carrera
A CV coming loose can cause a lot of damage and possibly cause loss of control.

Best,
Grady