TROUBLE SHOOTING
Not sure if you need an axle?  Or Need help determining what you need for your car?  The following guide may help narrow down the possibilities.

Symptoms
Clicking or popping noise when turning.
Torn boot
Vibration or shudder on acceleration or deceleration
Axle will not stay in the car (separated at the inner cv joint or pulls from transmission)
 
 

Symptoms
    Clicking or popping noise when turning.

Possible problems or causes
    Bad outer CV joint
    Bad inner tie rod on the rack and pinion.  Early signs
    Worn CV joint or torn boot

Check for
    Torn CV Boot
    Check rack and pinion

Solution
    Replace CV joint or CV axle
    Replace rack and pinion

If ignored a failed cv axle will leave the car stranded.  A failed rack and pinion may result in loss of steering control.

Return to symptoms

Symptoms
    Torn boot

Possible problems or causes
    Damaged under carriage
    Road hazards

Check for
    Damaged suspension

Solution
    If detected early dis-assemble cv joint and inspect for damage if undamaged replace cv boot.
    If the CV joint has been damaged replace cv joint or complete axle.

Return to symptoms

Symptoms
    Vibration or shudder on acceleration or deceleration

Possible problems or causes
    Bad inner cv joint
    Worn inner tie rod ends on rack and pinion
    Worn suspension parts

Check for
    Torn inner cv boot
    Signs of grease leaking around or through inner cv boot
    Rack and pinion and suspension

Solution
    Replace axle
    Replace Rack and pinion or worn suspension parts

Return to symptoms

Symptoms
    Axle will not stay in the car (separated at the inner cv joint or pulls from transmission)

Possible problems or causes
    Broken motor mounts or brackets
        Common problem in Chrysler fwd vehicles due to the design of the mounting system
        Damage from accidents or wrecks
    Broken suspension components
    Incorrect axle (sometimes in certain vehicles if the mounts are worn the original will
    not separate as it has worn with the vehicle but a replacement will fall out)

Check for
    Broken mounts.  Engine and transmission
    Look for wreck damage - bent or broken motor mount brackets, suspension components
    When replacing an axle always compare the length of the original to the replacement

Solution
    Replace bent or broken  motor mounts, mount brackets, suspension components
    NOTE!! Wreck damage needs to be checked by a certified body shop to insure there is
    not damage to components which may make the vehicle unsafe.

Return to symptoms

When deciding to replace a outer joint or the complete axle you must decide which is easier and most cost effective for your capabilities.  Replacing the complete axle is usually easier and less involved.  There is less chance of mishap when installing the complete axle.
 

In deciding if this job is something you wish to do on your own look at these pages.
Warning  (They are large graphic pages and may take awhile with a slow modem.)

 Installation help

 Pictures of what new and worn cv components

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