Possible busted CV joint?

Themaggots · Post by **Themaggots** » Sat May 30, 2009 5:01 pm

It's on my 2001 RT. Shortly after upgrading my suspension to BC coilovers, I noticed a knocking noise seemingly coming from the front driver's side wheel area.

Here's what happened while me and my brother changed the old suspension; you'll have a better idea of the possible problem(s).

I had a nut break on me so I had to remove the stud. So, my brother removed the caliper, we got the new stud in and everything went correctly. We put the caliper back on and proceeded with removeing the old strut/spring. It didn't go as planned, we made a small tear in the CV Joint Boot. I taped the thing back up correctly so I could at least move myself around. All this was on the driver side. Then we got the coilover in place and we changed the others then called it a day.

So, it makes the knocking noise when I am not accelerating and when I'm engaging the clutch. When I apply the brakes, it stops. Same thing when I accelerate. At sub-15mph, I don't really hear it.
Passengers barely notices it even when I tell them to pay attention to it.

The causes that comes to my mind are these:

1- The caliper is loose.
2- The new stud haven't been pulled back in enough and is rubbing against something else.
3- The CV joint lost all the grease and is therefore busted.
4- The coilover's top bolt are loose.

I park in the house's parking often and I haven't noticed any grease.

I bought a new CV Joint Boot shortly after I changed the suspension but I don't think I have the necessary knowledge and resources to change it myself.

What are your opinions on this? Should I buy a new CV Axle Driveshaft and get it changed? Of course I'll recheck all the bolts to be sure that everything is correctly tightened.

Also, I have the chance to go see a mechanic friend that does a great job at low prices, but he's located about 150 miles away. If the joint is indeed busted, can I still make it?

Thomsy · Post by **Thomsy** » Sun May 31, 2009 1:01 am

axles usually cause vibrations as well.
does the noise go away if you turn left and come back when you turn to the right?? cuz then its definitly ur axle

Themaggots · Post by **Themaggots** » Sun May 31, 2009 7:24 pm

axles usually cause vibrations as well.
does the noise go away if you turn left and come back when you turn to the right?? cuz then its definitly ur axle

The noise indeed goes away when turning left or right even slightly like changing lanes. It also goes away when slightly braking or accelerating?

It would be the axle then?

Looking at NAPAONLINE, I found the following:

Constant Velocity (CV) Driveshaft - Left Front - Remfd

w/ 5 Speed M/Trans w/ ACR Competition Suspension w/ ABS Brakes

Constant Velocity (CV) Driveshaft - Left Front - Remfd

w/ 5 Speed M/Trans w/o ACR Competition Suspension w/ ABS Brakes

I have a MTX 2001 R/T that is now on BC coilovers. I do have ABS.
Does the ACR Competition suspension makes a difference? One is $6 cheaper than the other.

Anything else I should get changed while I'm at it?

And can the current axle sustain a 150miles trip?

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Sun May 31, 2009 7:27 pm

There is a spline on the axle for the ABS controller sensor. So in order to assure that your brake system functions correctly I would not change to something that does not have ABS.

Thomsy · Post by **Thomsy** » Sun May 31, 2009 9:36 pm

weird. cuz if its the left cv the noise should go away when u turn left but still b there when u turn right. try it low speed in a parking lot or driveway. give urself enough room to do a complete circle both left and right.

does the noise sound like a popping?? like crushing a pop can?

Themaggots · Post by **Themaggots** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:15 pm

Well. I found the problem. And it was seriously an easy fix. I forgot to tighten the lugs correctly, which explains why the noise was stopping while the wheel was under load.
But I will get the CV boot changed or either get the whole axle changed. Thanks for the help.

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:52 pm

Themaggots wrote:Well. I found the problem. And it was seriously an easy fix. I forgot to tighten the lugs correctly, which explains why the noise was stopping while the wheel was under load.

I hate it when that shit happens... really.

Glad to hear it was a simple fix. My suggestion would be start saving for a replacement and then just run the shit outta what you have now tills its dead.