I am positive that I've got at least one bad CV joint, but I can't figure out which ones. Whenever I reverse directions or change throttle position under power, I hear clicks and pops. Any ideas on how to diagnose them?

I've considered just replacing all 4 joints, but I don't want to pay $800 from Hardtopguy. Does anyone know of a place to get rebuilt half axles?

 

I'd do a bucket swap. No matter which one is bad, a swap will make both good as new.

Noises when changing direction only are usually axle nuts that need to be re-tightened to 220.

 

I am positive it isn't loose axle nuts. I've retorqued them both, and the noise didn't change. The pops and cracks occur at very slight throttle position changes while idling through parking lots. It sounds like the outer joints on each side, since I hear very distinct noises from left and right at seperate times. I'm guessing that the left is worse than the right since it pops first.

 

What do you mean by "bucket swap"? Are you saying I should spend $800 just for good measure?

 

I'd go with the swap....all you need to do is take the inner drive buckets and switch them from axle to axle. $0.00 in parts, even the band clamps are 100% re-usable. They are very easily released and locked with simple pliers.

You have any driveline vibrations? Bad inners and vibrations usually go hand in hand.

 

Yo Gernby...check it out....info on swapping the buckets:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=241367

 

Only thing to do differently is make sure you re-use the stock band clamps. They are designed to be locked and unlocked and are the best I've seen.

 

Is there any benefit in swapping the outer joints too? I believe that it is my OUTER joints that are making the noises.

I have been procrastinating a diffy backlash adjustment for over a year, so I want to do everything at once (and only once).

 

CV joints are what make this noise? I have questioned a few people about this exact noise and of the three responses i get are possible CV joints goin bad, something about brake pad or caliper play and loose axle. I am having the exact same problem, it usually happens at low speeds usually when accelerating from a stop after braking. NOt too sure but ill keep an update here after honda looks for the problem yet again so hopefully we can help each other with this.

 

I don't think gernby's describing the inner-CV joint issue, so the "bucket swap" won't help him. Sounds like it might be outer CVs, though that's also more of a "vibration" than just "clicks". One or two folks have done outer CV's but I haven't, so I'm not sure what's involved. See Asura's post from 6/8/04 in this thread:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...c=39249&st=200