Regardless of how they look you could have a CV joint that is going bad. Does the trans shift properly?

Answered by 2CarPros Jack (expert)
12,033 answers provided

Thanks for reading this post.

Trans appears to shift properly. I have not noticed any slipping.

I am not getting the popping and clicking noises when the wheel is turned that is normally associated with CV joints gone bad.

Is there a good test for CV joints without removing the struts and half shaft?

to get the correct CV shaft, would you happen to know which trans is in the 2001? mine has the 3.0L DOHC ses. It is either a ax4s or ax4n

Response from asalford
3 questions asked

The diagnosis was right on target. the CV axle was bad. when I was tearing down the passengers side i also noticed generous amount of play in the steering nuckle ball joint. I pressed it out and replaced it as well.

Additional Note: It is EXTREMELY easy to damage the differential seal when trying to get the axle to break free. The best choise was to use a 19mm wrench and put a breaker bar into the closed end side. be sure the open end side rests against the transaxle and not the seal. I damaged mine because the manual said to use a screwdriver. When it does break loose it is gonna fly so, have it secure with wire before you try to break it loose.

Now, I have to pull mine again and replace the differential seal.

Response from asalford
3 questions asked