cv joints...can i wait a little?

I would change them before they just explode. I have seen them put large
holes in things like transmission cases. Not to mention the fact that you
can no longer drive anywhere and must get the car towed somewhere.

CaptainKrunch

 

Hi
I have a civic 2 door hatchback that I
bought new in 94. It's been a great car.
I think my cv joints are starting to go.
If I make a turn (mostly lefts) aggressively,
I can hear the classic clicking. If I turn
gently I don't really hear the clicking.
Can I wait a bit before I change them
or should I change them right away?
Is there damage in waiting until the clicking gets
worse or more frequent?
Thanks for any info.

 

well go and have a look at them. give them both a good shake and if
they dont move too much you mite be alright for a bit. (my drivers side
clicks and the boot is torn but i am not paticularly worried) if they
(or one) moves a lot or the clicking becomes more constant (ie at slow
speeds too) you should replace asap. 2 thigs can happen (1) the cv will
have enough play that it will slip out of the transmission enough that
the splines don't catch leaving you powerless. if this happens shove it
back in (it may take some effort) and drive home gently or to a repare
shop. (2) the second thing that can happen is much worse, the joint
(most likely the outer one since it gets the most movement) will fail
and send the shaft flinging around and damageing whatever it hits. if
this happens you will know immediatly, (big bang and so on). basically
its just a good idea to replace the shaft or just the joint as soon as
possible. it is also a good idea to keep an eye on the boots before you
notice any noises because it starts when the boot gets torn and dirt
gets in there and wares out the bearings in the joint. replaceing a cv
shaft is not that difficult, its a good afternoon project. the most
difficult part will be getting the nut off the end because they can be
very tight.
-Andrew Smit-
http://www.justfixmycar.com/forum/

 

The money you save by waiting ,you can buy a good pair of walking shoes.

Tom

 

John Davis wrote:

-
GusTheCa