I'm guessing the CV joint. Anyone disagree?

[crzyfst]

I have around 145k miles (2015 CX-5 GT). In 2024 I had a noise from the front. I did the little protectors on the springs, no luck. I did the LCAs and no luck. Did the sway bar links and that ended up fixing that noise. Note on this, noise didn't happen when sitting in the air, had to jack up the wheel to mimic car weight on it.

This summer I noticed the front left wheel having just a slight wiggle when I rotated my tires. Figured it was the wheel hubs so I replaced both front ones and that seems good so far but then recently I started hearing a clunk/squeaking noise coming from the front left when turning only. Noise sounded just like if you were turning your wheel say on an epoxy floor and the tire is just making a squeaking noise. Wasn't consistent though. Also would notice a squeak once in awhile turning tight turns.

I lifted the front and nothing loose, no noise when turning etc. Put a jack under the LCA to mimic being weighted and then I could reproduce the noise. Spent an hour or so banging around trying to find anything loose. Checked the steering boots and CV joint boot but dumped a bunch of grease when I did that one. Put the wheel back on to test drive it and the noise was worse. If the road was smooth and straight fine, any bumps or turns and loud clunking.

So I'm guessing the CV joint. Anyone disagree?

Now I'm wondering where to get one from? I've heard only go with OEM. I've read stay away from Autozone, Napa type ones, but mostly you only hear back from people with issues, how many could be out there with no issues so you never hear from them.

I checked Rockauto but not sure if they are any better. Looks like my choices on there are GSP, Top Notch and Trakmotive.

So anyone have solid proof/numbers to stay away from say Duralast Gold, or O'Reilly's, Napa?

I've had this car since new and have no plans on getting rid of it anytime soon.

Thanks

 

[RedBaron]

So I'm guessing the CV joint. Anyone disagree?

I would tend to disagree. CV joints usually make noise only when (moving and) turning, when you can get grinding or knocking noises. But I doubt you would hear anything from them while stationary.

From your symptoms I would think the LCA(s). I think you said you replaced them, but check the ball joints again anyway, and make sure all is tight (incl. the inboard bolts)

 

[crzyfst]

Should the CV joint have any play? I removed the axle nut, caliper etc and slid the axle out of the hub. When I push on the outer spline in and pull out, there is play inside the boot/cv joint. Could this be the issue and it needs replaced or are they suppose to have a little play?

 

[crzyfst]

Ok so I checked the good side and it seems to have the same amount of in/out play.

I put it all back together to do another test drive. What I noticed was grabbing the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions there is no play. Grabbing at 3 and 9 it has play or wiggles. The other side doesn't.

So what could that indicate?

 

[HyFlyer]

... So what could that indicate?

Tie rod ends ?

 

[GovtCheese]

Ok so I checked the good side and it seems to have the same amount of in/out play.

I put it all back together to do another test drive. What I noticed was grabbing the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions there is no play. Grabbing at 3 and 9 it has play or wiggles. The other side doesn't.

So what could that indicate?

Are you saying there's free-play in your wheel?? If grabbing it at 3 and 9 has free-play, yeah.. either tie-rod ends or wheel bearing. Does the noise vary with speed/RPM?

Another way to test CV-joint is to have the steering at full-lock left (or right), and do a figure-8 slowly. If it is the CV joint, you'll hear the CV joint make the.... knocking sound.