[neotrode]

Hello all,

I am getting a rattle from, where I think is, the CV axel assembly on the spline housing. Furthermore, I am getting a cluck/popping noise whenever I left-turn tightly into a parking spot or left turn into an intersection. When I turn on 4x4 mode, then the noise become a clicking nightmare. I'm thinking it's the CV assembly but it was just replaced 7 months ago.

I happen to see a video from South Main Auto specifically talking about a 2000 Dakota's aftermarket CV assembly not fitting properly. Particularly the retainer clip not seated in the right depth of the spline.

Has anyone had issues buying aftermarket CV axel assemblies? I am looking at the CARDONE 663408 from RockAuto. Is that a decent assembly. Are there fit issues I might be up against where I am better off getting a Mopar part?

FYI:
Truck in question is a 2006 Dakota SLT Quad Cab with 4.7L Auto..
In the past 12 months I have changed the upper and lower control arms (including ball-joints), tie-rods (inner and outer), links, swaybar bushings, discs, wheel bearings and pads. I was hoping I was done for a while! lol.

TIA all.

See video, I referenced above, here:

-Frank

 

[neotrode]

Ok. So it wasn't the cv axel but I did replace it since the boot was ripped. At closer observation, the noise appears to be coming from the front axel carrier housing. Does that typically mean the worm drive is shot or could I be lucky just needing bearings? It sounds like a piece of metal is rattling in there during a regular drive in 2WD mode but when I turn on 4WD is sound like a bunch of bolts rattling loudly. What do you thing? Bearings or all new carrier assembly?

PS: Looks like there are no issues with aftermarket CV axels on the 4th Gen Dakotas. Woo-hoo!

 

[RXT]

Take the diff cover off and see what falls out… Question…. Are you familiar with 4wd vehicles? In particular do you ever shift the truck into 4wd and drive it on pavement?

Ed

 

[neotrode]

I had a feeling that was going to be my next move.
Yep. I'm familiar. Definitely haven't used 4wd on payment. Only in snow, here in New York.
I'm handy (i have to be to get by brother) but haven't popped one of these components open in my lifetime...yet!
Guess I'll get some RTV and rip it open and have a look.

Thanks for the quick response!

 

[neotrode]

Well. I was way off. All along the clunk was coming from a seized front drive shaft! After removing the shaft and opening the CV bearing housing, so much rust fell out that it looked like potting soil! Torn boot was the obvious give away I never shined a light to it (which I should have) and those inverted boots are not evident at first sight.
The spline looks too worn to rebuild with but we will see if the replacement bearing kit fits snug. If not, off to the junk yard for a new shaft.