Popping coming from from front wheel

[TonySev]

99 Yukon, 5.7, 240,000 KMS, 4wd with "Auto" setting for xfer case.

When driving and turning sharp corners I have sound coming from the LF wheel....sounds like someone crumpling up aluminum foil or a thin tin can...only happens when turning and moving.
I through CV joints, so I jacked it up, turned the wheel all the way left and spun the drivers wheel...no noise...turn the wheel right, no noise...tried the same with RF wheel, no noise.

Is it the CV joint? If so, how does a guy prove it before I take the half shafts off?

Assuming it's the CV joints.....since they are half shafts that bolt to the front diff, can I take the half shafts out and still drive the truck? They don't slide into the tranny, they bolt to a flange on the outside...I thought this would be ok but I wanted to double check.

Thanks for any assistance,

Tony
Kemptville, ON
Canada

 

[SunlitComet]

The shafts typically make clicking sounds when turning when they go bad. You can not remove them entirely. The outer joint needs to be mounted and torqued to the hub, bearing and knuckle or the assembly will collapse as soon as you drop the vehicle down. And of course the inner flanges can pop out and damage the diffy. So overall is it not smart to leave them out.

 

[noJeepshere]

They're not too expensive with the core charge. In Canada the story might be different. It sounds like it is the CV shafts, does the noise get worse in 4wd? If so, they've worn out. Putting power through them will make the noise louder. Definately worth getting them replaced.

 

[TonySev]

They're not too expensive with the core charge. In Canada the story might be different. It sounds like it is the CV shafts, does the noise get worse in 4wd? If so, they've worn out. Putting power through them will make the noise louder. Definately worth getting them replaced.

I've got a part shop that will send them off and get them back same day, $125/side.
I'll try it in 4wd and see if gets louder.
I'm kinda worried that it's in the diff rather than the CV's. Is there a way to check for that?

T.

---------- Post added at 01:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 PM ----------

The shafts typically make clicking sounds when turning when they go bad. <snip>. So overall is it not smart to leave them out.

You could call this "clicking"...anyone know why it wouldn't make the same noise when the "The Pig" isn't hiked in the air?

Thanks for the advice on driving with the axles out...I'll stick to that :>.

Tonyloveshis99Yoook

 

[ChrisAU]

Wheel hub/bearing IMO.

 

[SunlitComet]

less the $70 each at oreily's.

when up in the air load is taken off the wheel bearings and the cv shaft, the both inner and outer joints angles are steeper and the inner joint tri-pod is not as far into its socket joint. therefore you have changed the conditions under which it operates. by not having the noise when off the ground you have basically ruled out the diffy and ruled in shafts and bearings. since you claim it happens when turning that would indicate the shaft assy is bad.

 

[TonySev]

Thanks for the advice, half shafts comin' out next week for rebuild.

less the $70 each at oreily's.

Ouch...sometimes it sucks to be in Canada...even www.rockauto.com has them for $58.

At least it will be back on the road within 24 hrs.

Tony.

 

[SunlitComet]

try just left side first. they don't fail in pairs you know.