That mud really messed my truck up. Check engine light went off when I put a new alternator in it. Went to drive it to the gas station and on my way back my wheel about fell off I guess one of my wheel bearings went bad but how do I tell if the cv shaft is bad as well? I mean my tire kicked out at like a 30 degree angle its sitting on jacks in the drive way.

 

Just inspect it while you have the rest of it apart. Good opportunity to change that u-joint.

 

take a look at these (and many other good articles over there)
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-5.html
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-3.html

front axle has a universal joint (not a CV). if the u-joint hasn't been changed in the last 5 years and you're going to drive in mud and water, the best thing to do is go ahead and replace it. i recommend the Precision brand 377 greasable. its really heavy and well made. not cheap either. available most everywhere, but cheapest by far at rockauto.

http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,cata...ISION_377.html

understand that the axle tube oil seals are as fragile as glass. if you don't treat them like it, you'll tear them up by shoving the axle in. they're a real job to change, so don't make it worse.

 

Looks like this is going to be a pain in the ***. Lol thanks guys

 

its a fair sized job that can either go good or really bad. you'll need some decent tools, including a 12 point 14mm for the bolts on the back of the unit bearing. also a good sized pull bar for breaking all the big bolts loose. a 1-11/16 socket for the axle nut, and either a heavy duty impact wrench or a lot of patience and a super heavy pull bar for the axle nut. and finally - you need good luck that your unit bearing comes out of the steering knuckle. mine did, but some of the ones up north are all rusted in, which makes a fun job turn into a ****ty job.

 

Changing them would probably be a PITA, but not changing them and failure in the mud a long way from home would be worse!

 

If the the hub bearing failed to that extent, you can bet that the ujoint and seal are also shot.

 

Thanks guys I got the wheel hub assembly changed out god as new!!