what are symptoms of bad cv joint?

what kind of noises will a cv joint make when it's just beginning to wear out? i'm getting a minor 'knocking' type noise when i maintain power when making turns to the right in my carrera... also is intermittent when traveling in a straight line. could it be a bearing prob, too?

thanks-

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Adam Nitti
www.adamnitti.com
'85 Carrera
'74 3.0 CS

That's the sound I identify w/ the CV's. Disconcerting no? Change em out w/ new rubber and good packing and be done w/ it.

I had this happen in my '85 just two months ago. My driver side CV was knocking when I made a right hand turn NOT under load.

I repacked with grease, all is well.

Nick

repacking:

is this something i can do on my own with the help of a haynes manual or something? i'm not a mechanic, but i'm pretty good at general maintenance and minor repairs...

thanks-

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Adam Nitti
www.adamnitti.com
'85 Carrera
'74 3.0 CS

Yes, you can do it yourself ... it is a very 'messy' job, both cleaning the old grease, and relubing, but doable, and very rewarding! What is needed: a couple of tubes of SWEPCO 101 Moly Grease, four CV-joint gaskets, an 8 mm Allen drive wrench, a large, clear yellow plastic mallet, and a torque wrench. Pelican has the first two items, and you probably should get under the car and inspect all four CV-joint bootss with hands and a shop towel to see if any grease is present on the outside of the boots ... indicating a cracked or torn boot that needs replacing. If you find any damaged boots, I would order four replacement boots, just in case.

The best set of instructions and pictures for the Lobro CV-joints are in any of the Bentley manuals for the air-cooled VW's, i.e. Beetle, Type 3, or Bus ... you can probably find a copy of at least one of those at your public library.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Thunking and shuddering are both CV noises. Outboard ones thunk and inboard ones shudder. I have heard this so many times from respected folks I am convinved: You can flip them over (to the same position on the other side of the car) which renews them in a sense by giving them new wear surfaces. TIPS: Use the right tool to remove the six bolts holding each CV on and CLEAN the bolt socket very well first so the tool fits deeply. Some joints are held on the shaft with a snap ring you can see, and others I've seen must be placed over a vise or something and driven out. Don't use a steel hammer for this. Warren's right, the job is filthy and rewarding. Replace all questionable boots. It's not so rewarding taht you want to do it again right away. and I've just cleaned off an engine/transmission and related areas that were victimized in the past by a torn CV boot. Not a pretty sight. How can a half gallon of grease fly out of a sixteen ounce boot?

thanks so much for all of the info! looks like i'll be getting my hands dirty real soon...

so... let me get this straight. my cv joint doesn't necessarily need replacing, just repacking, correct? what would warrant replacement?

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Adam Nitti
www.adamnitti.com
'85 Carrera
'74 3.0 CS

Once you get the joints apart and the old grease cleaned off (gasoline and paper towels work well--outside of course) the ball bearings and races need to be inspected for damage. It is best to 'do' just one joint at a time, so parts don't get mixed up. The type of damage that would indicate the need to be replaced is pitting of the races, or 'scoring' to the point that a 'ridge' can be felt with a fingernail rubbed accross the area. If there is a shiny spot rubbed off the black oxide finish of the race, but no ridge that can be felt, then the joint can be repacked and used again. If any of the ball bearings are dark and discolored black, or blue-black, or scratched or pitted, but the races are OK, the ball bearings can be replaced at a bearing supply house -- the bearing are a 'standard' size. I don't think you will have any trouble making the decision to replace a joint, once you have it cleaned up and inspect it ... joints with a damaged boot, that have had all of the grease 'thrown out' all over the underside of the car, then run without grease, tend to need to be replaced. Good luck!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa