Rear Axle / CV problem

[lesworth]

Every now and then I can here a 'clunk' from the rear of the car when driving. I've read up on this and seems the problem could by worn CV joints which apparently last around 100,000 miles (my car has 108k).

My first question is could there be any other source to this noise or is the CV joint(s) the most likely cause?

My second question is when reading about this issue, it seems that with '84 to '89 Carreras (mines an '88), you need to replace the whole axle as individual CV joints are unavailable?

My last question is; there are four CV joints, two inner and two outer priced I think at round £40-50 each. I've seen complete axles with two joints at each end. Am I correct in thinking I need to buy two of these (i.e four CV joints)?

Any experinces with performing this work most welcome!

 

[Guest]

Les,
CV's are replaceable separately.
Replace rubber boots also.
You can also extend the life of a CV by stripping it down, clean it and repack with fresh molybendium grease (& new boot). You can also get a few extra miles from a CV by putting them on the opposite axle. Doing this turns the joint in the opposite direction to where it was before, there-by using the joint (surfaces) in unworn area. Its easy to just swap the axles around (same thing).
But for the cost of a new CV, and the given life expectancy, its easier to replace them.

 

[lesworth]

Thanks for the guidance Peter. I plan to jack the car up and have a good look. Is there any obvious sign I should look for beyond a split boot? Will the worn CV joint be obvious?

 

[Guest]

Les,
A sometimes worthy idea to try is after a good run in the car is to try and touch the affending CV with your finger. A worn/tight CV will be hot - sometimes bloody hot. A bit difficult, but if you had ramps at the ready, it would only take a couple of minutes to put the car up and slid under. It'd help take any guess work out of the equation.
Check out German, swedish & french for the new CV parts. Usually best price.
http://gsfcarparts.com