I think it's the axle.

Post #226,178 by ChrisR 9/23/05 2:03:46 PM 9/23/05 2:04:43 PM Reply	I think it's the axle. Critter's car is a 1998 Nissan Altima. A few years ago, we had a bad snowstorm (yes, we actually do get snow in North Texas.) Anyhoo, I had to go to the grocery store to get milk and bumwadden. I was thiiiiis close to making it home unscathed when the car started to skid. It smacked squarely against the curb right where the drainage opening existed. Had to get a new something or other. About 3 months ago, a tire needed to be replaced. Upon further inspection, we were told that the axle was in bad shape and needed to be replaced. I was p.o.'ed because I thought they were trying to screw us. Took it to a friend who confirmed that the axle was bad. He told us that when it started to click, it was only a matter of time before it would fall completely out. Right now, it makes lovely crunchy noises, especially on turns. There is a boot that is supposed to go on the axle joint that prevents the car from hitting the inside of the tire well. My guess is that the boot has deteriorated and that is part of your noise. Just call me Ms. Fix-It :-) Happily driving a piece o' crap, Amy Gahhh! Puter logged on as ChrisR! I'm Her Qwerkiness! Edited by ChrisR Sept. 23, 2005, 02:04:43 PM EDT Expand All History
Post #226,359 by Steve Lowe 9/25/05 4:02:54 AM Reply	More accurately a CV joint There's 2 cv joints on each axle. More often than not, it's easier and cheaper to replace the entire axle assembly than to rebuild the CV (constant velocity) joint. I'd assumed Barry's mechanic would have caught that as they're fairly obvious when they go. Many times they'll go without outward sign of failure, ie the boots being split, but the noise they make is pretty obvious to a mechanic. Clicking noises on turning are almost always CV joints, and yes, once they start to go, there's no recovery. In fact, if the boot ever is cracked or split, replace the joint or axle soon, as death is iminent. If the car noises going over bumps or while going straight down the road, it's probably something else. -- Steve [link\|http://www.ubuntulinux.org\|Ubuntu]
Post #226,360 by pwhysall 9/25/05 4:06:10 AM Reply	Question Aren't CV joints a feature of FWD cars? i.e. my [link\|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org/pics/random/Car/\|car] doesn't have them? Peter [link\|http://www.no2id.net/\|Don't Let The Terrorists Win] [link\|http://www.kuro5hin.org\|There is no K5 Cabal] [link\|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org\|Home] Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
Post #226,362 by Steve Lowe 9/25/05 5:36:53 AM Reply	Mostly Additionally, pretty much all AWD cars and many 4WD trucks and SUVs use them on the front, and many RWD cars with IFS use them in the rear. -- Steve [link\|http://www.ubuntulinux.org\|Ubuntu]
Post #226,375 by broomberg 9/25/05 1:41:03 PM Reply	No noise unless heated up And then more "crunchy" than clicky. I've replaced them before on my Honda, feels different. At this point we will take the car to the Mazda dealer for a diagnoses. Hopfully they will have a better idea, having more experience with this type of car.

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