Took the van in because the left front train had the CV click of soon to be death. @ 114K + miles and the other side had been done by the previous owner I just wanted to do it.

I pick it up and was told the noise is still there @ full right turn lock.

This was the 1st sign of trouble because I knew they never heard it. The clicking can only be heard when its hot and I only hear it in parking garages when doing the full lock u-turns.

I take it out and its an atrocious grinding noise.
I take it back and inform them this was a new noise and suggest its a bad part.
The owner of whom I have done business with for 20 years goes off on me and says "I'll just put your old one back on THEN! In front of his customers.

I was keeping my voice down and after he said that I asked him out of the room.
He walks me to the tech and the tech listens and agrees maybe its a bad part.
I leave it and return only to hear, "Well, the old one is back on and the noise is gone" $50.00. I was also informed the new part had a stiff joint.
I wanted to yell out, Why di you just not exchange it?
I had already paid and they credited me the difference and.......

THAT $50.00 cost them my future business as I have purchased all my tires there since 1992 across 3 vehicles, always Michelins, and have my families oil changed there and such.

So, it looks like all I need is a ball joint separator tool and the basics.

Is there a recommended or preferred brand of CV maker you guys like?

 

I feel for you. I had done business for a long time as well with a local mechanic. There had been a few issues over the years, mostly from him not suggesting certain things as long as he was doing something else but the straw that broke the camel's back was when I had him do the alternator.
As soon as I picked it up, it had a very noticeable vibration at low engine speeds. I did some research and printed off information that showed him why the Littens decoupler was the better choice.
He just blew me off and I decided on the spot that there were other choices in town and I was going to make use of them.

 

I hear you. It continues.

I just installed a tire pressure monitoring system and it shown the same wheel running 10°F hotter. So I asked him if he would make sure to torque the wheel bearing nut to no more than 160 foot pounds for me because I felt it may have been installed tighter by yours truly.

So I decided to check it today just to keep my mind and hands busy.

I have a snap-on built 50 - 250# torque wrench. I set it @ 160, it clicked. I set it @ 175, it clicked. I set it @ 225, it clicked. UGH!

Long story short, I broke a snap-on 1/2 extension at the 1/2 drive female end trying to break it loose (not using the tq wrench) and she is still not loosened.

It may or may not matter but I am just that way. I like to check things out. I am an industrial mechanical/machinist of 30+years and believe in the specs.

Geesh!

 

You have so many choices with CV joints, new or remanufactured. You can go with the usual brands or being in the South, you have an old family business close to you that remanufactures axles.

http://www.cvunlimited.com

This is a sister company to Bostech fuel injectors

"Stuckey Bros. Auto has two remanufacturing divisions: CV Unlimited and Bostech. The CV Unlimited division remanufactures CV axles and rack & pinions. The Bostech division does electric fuel injectors for gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. "

 

Thank You

 

I forgot about Raxles in Gainesville, FLA
They have a great reputation although they can be pricey.

I have had good luck with EMPI axles, not so good with Cardone.

 

Tell me about Cardone. I ask because NAPA carries them and lots depend on NAPA for quality. Was the problem with new or reman's?

 

The only issue I had was one of the boots was not properly secured.
It came undone and I had grease everywhere. I had to repack it and get a new clamp for it. This was after a couple of hundred miles on it.

It is actually working OK, no clunks or anything. Since it was nothing major, I guess I would use them again. The Empi's I got for another car and they are working great.

 

Thanks.

 

Check with your dealer, very competative price and good quality.