??$$ for CV joints?

[solaratony]

About how much should I pay for new CV joints on my 99 SLE V6? I mean to have someone do it for me. My car is making a humming noise above 30 mph from the front passenger side(NOT the tires, they've been rotated and balanced recently at a good shop). Just wondering. Thanks.

[Hybridlude97]

normally when a CV joint is bad it makes a popping/clicking sound when turning.

[JavaJoe_2]

Also, check to see if the boot is torn, which would most likely mean the grease has leaked out and is no longer lubricated.
Is there any shake in the steering wheel, which could indicate that the shaft is unbalanced...however very unlikely. (Usually, you would find this on newly installed cv's.)
Jack the corner that is making noise up off the ground. Is there any play up/down or side to side, possibly a loose or worn bearing.
Check for shiney spots where the tires could be coming in contact with the frame/body.
Just some suggestions.
Definately get 2nd opinions from shops, they usually check it out for free.

[solaratony]

yeah, I know that sound from my old car. There is no shanking or anything. I figured that maybe it was a sign that the joint was getting worn out. If it is, I would like to get them replaced before that gawdawful clicking starts. I have thought to inspect them, but it's never at a convienient time(during an oil change), so I haven't got a real good look. But from what I can tell, there's no grease on the suspension. Oh, well, I just need to have it looked at I guess.

This may sound stupid, but are the front wheel bearings part of the outer CV joint? Obviously, Im not a master mechanic or anything, but I thought that they were one thing.

Thanks for answering my questions.

Tony

[JavaJoe_2]

No, they are seperate components.
Front suspension , Suspension components ,Wheel bearings

[solaratony]

Thanks, JavaJoe_2. I hadn't really ever thought about it before. Hopefully whatever the noise is, it's not expensive. UUGGHH!! Like I told my dad, I am not buying another car until I can afford a NEW one. Again, Thanks.

Tony

[solaratony]

Don't know if this makes any difference, but the noise isn't so much of a "humming". Its more like"WUH-WUH-WUH-WUH-WUH". Also, it gets worse when it leans in a turn. (doesn't matter which side, i don't think.). Wheel bearings? CV joints? or something else altogther? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Tony

[Strider327]

If its continuous sound during rotation going straight, its more than likely wheel bearings. I think the price is about 60 a piece at the dealership.

[Wang2k]

if the noise stops when you rock the wheel side to side, its prolly a bearing, the noise stops because when you rock the vehicle back and forth you are taking the weight off the bearing

hope that helps

[Frosty]

Don't know if this makes any difference, but the noise isn't so much of a "humming". Its more like"WUH-WUH-WUH-WUH-WUH". Also, it gets worse when it leans in a turn. (doesn't matter which side, i don't think.). Wheel bearings? CV joints? or something else altogther? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Tony

Had the same problem a few years ago and the dealer replaced a torn CV boot. This was about the same time I got new tires and some regular maintenance done, so I'm not exactly sure what did it, but the noise went away.

Also, had a similiar noise recently because my front brake pads were sticking and the rear brakes were seized.

I want to replace my CV joints because I hear a clicking noise when turning and get a vibration at highway speeds. The vibration gets worse when I ease of the throttle so it can't be the tires because the speed is the same. Had them balaced and everything, which didn't make a difference.

Any idea how much a dealer will charge to replace both CV joints?

[Wang2k]

i have been though about 10 cv axles, dont pay someone to replace them it is so easy to do. they are like 80 bucks a piece and take like 15 minutes per side

[solaratony]

I am now pretty sure it's the wheel bearing. I just recently began hearing the characteristic "scree-scree-scree-scree" noise as I drive down the road. I think I heard it before, but since it wasn't constant I thought it was loose pads or something. Oh well, I'll drop it off at the shop Monday and have them look at it and give me an estimate.

[JavaJoe_2]

"scree-scree-scree-scree" ....and have them look at it and give me an estimate.

Good call.
That noise could also indicate brake pads, does it go away when brakes are applied?
Let us know how we did on the diagnosis.

[solaratony]

No, it doesn't stop when the brakes are applied. I thought it did, but after some driving around I realized that I wasn't always hearing it because there has to be something along the side of the road for the noise to bounce off of. That's why it seems intermittent. I do wish it were something I could take care of myself, but the Haynes manual expressly says take it to someone. I am gonna do that as soon as possible. Thanks for your suggestions.

Tony

[solaratony]

Well, I took it to the shop today, and it was the passenger side front wheel bearing. I had them replace it, and it cost $235.45(78.38 parts, 1.57 shop supplies, 95.00 labor, 50.00 front end aligntment, 2.90 hazardous materials, and 7.60 tax.). Lotta money, but the bad sounds are all gone, and I think it even feels a little better. I hadn't realized just how bad it was, but it is way more quiet than it was before. Now I just need a tune-up, new struts, and a new starter. Now I realize why some people refuse to buy used cars!


Thanks for your suggestions!

Tony