Front Driver's side clunk at low speeds

gadgetpup · May 2, 2012

I've recently noticed a clunk coming from the front driver's side when I accelerate or turn at a low speed. After some investigation this is what I found:

It looks like the leak is coming from here (ball joint??) and spraying everywhere else while driving:

I need some help in finding out what parts I need to source and how much I can expect to pay to get this fixed. I will aim to do it as soon as possible but this car is currently my only mode of transport. If I continue to drive it as is, what risks do I run, can I damage other parts?

Thanks for the help.

JuneBug · May 2, 2012

That's your CV joint. A very common problem--the boot splits and all the grease gets slung out. If you had caught it early you may have gotten by with just a boot replacement, but since you are hearing a clunk, it looks like the CV joint and boot will have to be replaced.

dtalk · May 2, 2012

Yep it needs to be replaced, it is not all that hard to do. Had to do it 4 times on my car and a friend, not my RAV yet. You can look on you tube and check out videos of how it is done. It will take maybe 3 hours give or take.

hd72m · May 2, 2012

Normally it will last a while longer then start making noise when going strait ahead until it flies apart.

gadgetpup · May 2, 2012

Thanks for the quick replies. Am I looking for front right or left? My car is a FWD A/T, is this the part to get? More Information for EMPI 806192

It looks like its pre-assembled so I won't have to pack in any grease just swap and go, is this the case or just wishful thinking?

gadgetpup · May 9, 2012

Got done with replacing the CV Joint this afternoon, took a good bit of time. It was pretty easy to remove the joint from the hub but I had a bear of a time removing it from the transmission. Couldn't get leverage with a pry bar, had to finally yank it with some chain attached to a claw that hooked around the grooves at the tranny end.

There is a lot less clunking now but I get a subdued clunk every now and then, wonder if it's settling. I plan on getting a front end alignment soon (unless I don't need it), and I'll keep my eye on it to check for any transmission leakage or grease from the boot.

Thanks for all the help.

Front Driver's side clunk at low speeds

gadgetpup

JuneBug

dtalk

hd72m

gadgetpup

gadgetpup

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