Axle Shaft Assembly: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT

VEHICLE INSPECTION

1. Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard tripod joint and outboard CV joint; this is a sign of inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp damage.

NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS


A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could be caused by one of the following conditions:

- Damaged outer CV or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
- Noise may also be caused by another component of the vehicle coming in contact with the half shafts.

CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION


This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:

- A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
- A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
- A damaged or worn half shaft CV joint.

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION


This problem could be a result of:

- A worn or damaged half shaft inner tripod joint.
- A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only).
- Improper wheel alignment.

VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS


This problem could be a result of:

- Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s).
- Out of balance tires or wheels.
- Improper tire and/or wheel runout.