How to verify CV joint problem
 

1985 - 911 Cab at 175K

On slow decelleration, I get a "clonking" sound from what seems the right side of engine compartment. The frequency seems to be about that of tire rotation.

The sound goes away on acceleration OR when I put in the clutch.

How can I check CV joints to be bad or good ?

I have had the car since 17K so I fairly sure they are original.

Hi glenncof

That is a 22 year old joint and if it has had no maintenance then it is entitled to be a bit worn!

Try jacking the car up and then rock the wheel back and forth while you are underneath with a pair of grips on the driveshaft. You should be able to feel the freeplay if there is any. Bear in mind that this will only be a small movement but any is enough to cause a noise.

Hope this helps

NigelJ

Hey glenncof. The sounds you describe similar to those from the rear of my 88' Carrera. I had the opportunity to have some qualified listeners confirm the likelihood of CV joint issues (a local mechanic offered a $2600 transmissions solution...) and after exploring this forum have gone deeper into it. There are lots of threads on CV's on this forum with some pretty good details if you do a search. I pulled the inboard connections and the outer boots on my axles last night and can see that after 110K the CV's are in need of some TLC so plan to remove the full axles to a bench over the next week and to the necessaries. Here is a link that was passed to me that may help you out. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=306184&highlight=carrer a+cv and http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/221409-axel-fell-off.html and this link is often referred to on many threads: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/222537-reconstructing-constant-velocity-cv-joints.html . Good luck!

I had the same problem, replaced both cvs only to find a bad LSD. (see if your car has a LSD)

Thanks guys.

Yea, I found the outer driver side CV joint was the obvious problem.

I'm laying out a plan of action and there is a ton of info on this forum. Add to it Porsche changed CV styles in the middle of my model year (1985) and maybe bolt sizes also.

I have the old style bolt-on outer CV's. There is a chance I can pull 'just' the outer CV out. We'll see.