Inner vs outer CV joints - testing?

[Toaster Pilot]

Just bought an old shed with knackered CV joints, making the usual noise they make. How do I tell whether it's the inner, outer or both joints?

It's much cheaper to just replace the 2 outer cv joints than to replace both driveshafts

[BigTom85]

I'd peel back the boots and have a look, the noisy one will probably be dry. Any evidence of grease being lost?

Or remove the shaft for a close inspection, wear is normally quite obvious on the bench.

Unless it was significantly more expensive I'd just change both shafts and the gear box oil to boot. Much less messy and labour intensive.

[neiljohnson]

What car is it? Complete shafts can be bought for not much so can be an easier option

[Toaster Pilot]

The boots are deteriorated according to the MOT (not been under it yet)

Fair point about it being better to just change the shafts - being silly really when its £90 vs £36 but we are talking about a sub £200 car

[neiljohnson]

You still didn't say what car!

Try these http://www.jandrcvjoints.co.uk/search.php?search_q... they are silly cheap & really good quality

[Toaster Pilot]

neiljohnson said:

You still didn't say what car!

Try these http://www.jandrcvjoints.co.uk/search.php?search_q... they are silly cheap & really good quality

Skoda Felicia

[BigTom85]

On ECP for a 1.3 petrol, outer CVs are £32, complete shaft is £47.

So yeah, really silly

I don't doubt that you may be unlucky and have a model where there is a more significant price difference though.

[Toaster Pilot]

BigTom85 said:

On ECP for a 1.3 petrol, outer CVs are £32, complete shaft is £47.

So yeah, really silly

I don't doubt that you may be unlucky and have a model where there is a more significant price difference though.

On eBay an outer CV is about £18 though

[P I Staker]

Is the CV just clicking on lock?

[blueST]

P I Staker said:

Is the CV just clicking on lock?

I guess you're thinking the same as me, if it's just on lock it's probably the outer as they articulate more.

[P I Staker]

blueST said:

P I Staker said:

Is the CV just clicking on lock?

I guess you're thinking the same as me, if it's just on lock it's probably the outer as they articulate more.

Exactly.

90% of the time it is the outer.

[Toaster Pilot]

P I Staker said:

Is the CV just clicking on lock?

Yep. What symptoms would a failing inner joint exhibit?

[P I Staker]

Toaster Pilot said:

P I Staker said:

Is the CV just clicking on lock?

Yep. What symptoms would a failing inner joint exhibit?

Only got experience of one inner (Tripod) joint failing, was on a Transit van and was very far gone. Vibration under throttle and knocking when taking up drive where the symptoms.

Just change your outer, it'll be your problem.