Stiletto

Went over a pretty rough dirt road yesterday, and now I'm hearing a click clack sound from the rear wheels (both sides) when accelerating/decelerating. From a few searches here, it sounds like this is probably a symptom of worn CV joints.

Question for the forum: Is it safe to drive (carefully) in this condition until the weekend when I can have a look at this, or will I risk breaking something more expensive?

Thanks if anyone has advice!
Ryan

75ohm

CV boots intact, all four?

If so, then spray the crap off your axles/brakes/wheels...

If not, then you may have contaminated.

Either way, it's up to you whether to wait or not...

Luis de Prat

There shouldn't be too much of a problem, but I wouldn't push it. If the CVs lock up, the car will not be able to roll and you could potentially tear up an axle.

If you have the parts handy and a means of jacking up the car, all 4 CVs can be pulled and replaced or repacked in a (long) evening. Just buy a large container of degreaser and keep lots of rags, paper towels and newspaper at hand, because it's a messy job.

Stiletto

Thanks for the help! I will take a look at the boots this evening. Unfortunately, I'm halfway across the state on business, and don't have access to my jackstand or tools. So I'll probably have to bring the car into a shop for $ervi¢e, unless it's just something I can crawl under and clean off

Bryans951

If its happening when accelerating and/or decelerating, you may have a few loose bolts. Mine was clicking like that for about half a day before all the bolts worked themselves out. At that point, your screwed.

Stiletto

Which bolts would I check?

I crawled under this evening to check out the boots, and they all look intact (but filthy), but I noticed is a lot of horizontal play in the inner CV joints (I can move them back and forth 1/8 inch or so by hand). Is this normal?

Luis de Prat

No. They're either low on grease or just worn out. Replace them yourself. It's not difficult and you'll save a bunch. Another option is to just buy replacement axles with new CVs on them and swap them out. All you need is a triple square bit for the cheesehead bolts and a decent torque wrench plus some basic metric tools, jackstands, etc.

derickl

Before you spend any money try to grease them first but I think it's strange comming from both sides. CV's usually will click on the right side while turning. Get plenty of cleaning products.

Bryans951

the cheesehead bolts holding the axle on. I think there are 6 on each end.

Stiletto

A garage! A garage! My kingdom for a garage! Thanks for your diagnostic help, everyone. This does seem like something I could actually accomplish myself If I were back home.

I love porsche

the sound is from the grease inside becoming dry. i had this sound just a few months ago, and when i went to replace the cv joints, the one that was making the sounds, had dried/caked grease.

a temporary fix is to get a grease gun and insert the nozzle through the boot and squirt some in there...when you get home, replace the CV's as they will probably be damaged..easy job, just takes a few hrs

mtccl

Drove mine for about 6 months after the left rear starting clicking when cold.

You might get away with a repack of the grease and extend it a few months.

It should be safe, but noisy and irritating until you do something.

Sam944 N/A

Yes this much is true although mine didn't take too long to break. Its been sittin for a few weeks now and I want to drive it sooo bad.....

Sam944 N/A

Speaking of which does anyone have a spare they would be willing to part with???

I love porsche

ive got one, its got one spot of wear to the outer race...but pay shipping and its yours