My truck has started clicking around turns so I got underneath and grabbed the front axle half-shafts. The boots do not show signs of failure or leaking, but there is quite a bit of wiggle, and they sound dry, especially on the differential side. My guess is this could be the cause of a lot of my vibration problems too. I'm guessing any wiggle is too much wiggle. Does anybody have any advice on an upgraded product, or installation procedures? I've replaced everything else in the front end, so I'm not a novice Thanks

 

When my cv-shaft went I got one from oreilley brand new for $70 with no core return. For a reman they wanted around $80 plus $30 for the core. 10k miles so far and no problems yet.

 

I have replaced the drivers side axle. It really wasn't too bad.....if you have a little knowledge going in. You do not need to break any of the ball joints or rod-ends. I am planning on getting pics of the other side, but here is how it goes.

1) Take off the wheel
2) Remove the brake caliper and caliper mount. (Hang the caliper out of the way with a piece of wire.
3) Remove the axle nut that holds the axle to the hub/bearing using a 36mm socket and an impact wrench if possible.
4) Remove the 3 bolts from the inside of the steering yoke that hold on the hub/bearing assembly.
4) Remove the hub/bearing assembly. (Now this is the hard part as the hub/bearing assembly does not sit on, but sits in the steering yoke, and they rust fuse together. I recommend an air chisel working around the flat sides of the unit. Stay away from the pointed bolt hole ends so that you don't accidentally hit them and collapse the bolt holes. And try not to tear up the brake dust plate in the process. You can also partially insert the 3 bolts back in and wack them with a hammer from the backside. This whole step took way too long).
5) Smack the tripod-bearing assembly on the differential side of the axle with a hammer to pop it off (there is a plastic retaining clip that on the differential output that you have to overcome)
6) Insert new half shaft onto the differential output and smack the end of the shaft back on and over the plastic retaining clip.
7) Reinstall brake dust shield, hub/bearing, caliper and wheel.

 

Have an oem original on drivers side with 213k on it. However, the passenger side is on its 3rd cv half shaft replacement. OEM was fine except the boot split/grease release. The aftermarkets both clicked with a little power added to it. Reaching under and grabbing it-has too much wiggle. Both of the aftermarket failed the same way. 1 was trq and other A1 auto. Usually going over rough road you can hear it bounce and it's time to replace it .Some say on bad roads it kills em faster.1 deep chuck hole hit you can guarantee you damaged it. Spent 3k in renewing suspension parts. Didn't help axles a bit.