If You Hear Loud Clicking Noise Stop Driving | Bad CV Axle Popped Out A Look Inside Tri-Joint & More

One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of a bad or failing CV axle or half shaft assembly is an audible clicking noise when turning. If this unmistakable sound is from the left, then it is the driver side and if the noise is coming from the right side then it is the passenger side CV axle.

This was on a 2010 Honda Civic. If you're looking for a CV axle for a Civic here's the #ad link for one of them: https://amzn.to/3layyhB

I will list more in the comment section below...

Usually the noise is more apparent at low speed for example turning from stop to go or reversing, but yesterday my dad experienced something he has never experienced before. He heard a loud clicking, knocking and popping noises while driving in a straight line. The noises get louder as he drove faster from 20-45 miles per hour. The car also vibrated and felt shaken as if one of the tires has a large bubble or a large metal object stuck on his front left tires. He stopped and inspected all of the tires and everything was fine. He drove again and the same thing happened. He speculated it was the left front driver side CV axle that was bad or had failed but he wasn't 100% positive because the sound & the vibration happened when driving straight and not only when turning left or right.

After taking apart the CV axle shaft assembly, we found out that the tri-joint can easily be pulled out from its carrier. The rubber appear to be softer and causing the tri-joint to dislodge itself. Keep in mind that the axle did not pop out from the transmission differential, which is a common CV axle problem. A common issue with CV axles was improper burping techniques when installing the cv boots resulting in air or additional grease causing a hydraulic lock .

In this case the CV joint it self off the axle shaft (carrier). Is it possible to put it back together? Obviously, you will have to remove the boot and reinstall the joint on the axle. But why would you want to do that if the tri-joint, the balls or wheels or the carrier are damaged. The CV axles are not too expensive, especially if you order after market and not the genuine parts online or local auto parts stores such as NAPA, AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts, O'Reilly, CarQuest, PepBoys, Sears and more instead of buying genuine OEM from local dealership.

But we think that's exactly where our problem lies. We had previously replaced the genuine OEM front driver side CV with an aftermarket part from AM Auto Parts. The original genuine CV Axle from Honda lasted about 8 years and 220K miles. Unfortunately it appeared that the aftermarket parts failed only after 2 years and under 40,000 miles.

Replacing the CV axles are not too difficult. We've done a video on how to remove, replace and install the front left driver side CV Axle on this 2010 Honda Civic 2 years ago. Here's the link to video if you are interested:    • CV Axle Shaft Honda Civic 2006-2011: ...  

We are also planning to replace the front right passenger side CV Axle and do a video on it. Here's the link to that video: (will provide link once updated so stay tuned).

Now if this situation happened to you, I guess nowadays with the technology, usually when we hear a noise or something happened to our car while driving and we didn't know what it was we would pull over and check the information on the internet using our mobile and smart phones. If you had similar problems where you heard this distinct and unmistakable noise, please stop driving and have the car towed to a garage or mechanic.

What happens if your CV axle breaks? If the axle popped at high speed you may get into an accident as only one wheel will be spinning and the car might get pulled to the right because the engine is still running. Even at low speed, if the CV axle could get dislodged if you hit a pothole or your rear tires hit a curb while you are turning. It is important to recognize there is a problem with a CV axle of you hear such a noise, noises or strange sounds you are not familiar with.

Signs & Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Axle CV Shaft Assembly:
1. "Clicking" noises when turnin
2. Knocking sound
3. Tire edge grease
4. Vibration while driving
5. Bouncy driving like flat tire

This video is presented to you by Aiman-Imran Anuar. You can watch more of #Aiman_DIY_Auto_Repair videos on #EyeOnAiman Youtube Channel & Facebook Page.

You can also watch all of Aiman's auto repair videos in the following playlist:    • How To Remove Alternator Hyundai Sona...  

Note: This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Recording Date: November 7, 2020
Video URL:    • If You Hear Loud Clicking Noise Stop ...