A clicking noise on turns is an outer CV joint failing. A clunk under acceleration is an inner CV joint. For Mountlake Terrace drivers on the I-5 corridor and 236th commute routes, Tom's B&M Auto diagnoses the exact failure location before quoting — sometimes a torn boot with intact grease can be re-booted for less than a full axle replacement. We use quality remanufactured axles, not cheap offshore units that vibrate.
Road test to confirm noise type and location: clicking on turns (outer joint) vs clunking under acceleration (inner joint). Boot condition inspected. Joint play checked with wheel loaded and unloaded.
Quality remanufactured CV axle installed in correct length and spline count for your vehicle. Transmission output shaft seal inspected — inner CV joint installation contacts this seal and can damage it if done incorrectly.
Transmission fluid level checked after installation. Wheel bearing inspected while axle is out — bearing and CV joint failures often co-occur on higher-mileage vehicles. Post-repair road test.
Incorrect axle length is a common problem with discount offshore CV axles. An axle that's slightly too long causes the inner joint to bottom out under suspension travel, producing vibration and eventually damaging the transmission output seal. We use axles from established suppliers with proven fitment for your specific vehicle.
A CV joint that separates completely causes sudden loss of drive and potential vehicle control issues. If you're hearing clicking on turns, don't put it off — the grease is already gone, the metal is already wearing, and failure is a matter of when, not if.
Torn boot with intact grease? We quote re-boot vs full axle — whichever makes sense.
OEM-length axles from established suppliers. No offshore units that vibrate.
Output shaft seal checked during installation. Transmission fluid level verified.
CV axle replacement includes road test for noise characterization, boot condition and joint play inspection, quality remanufactured axle installation (correct length and spline count), transmission output seal inspection, transmission fluid level check, and post-repair road test.
From Tom's B&M Auto - serving Mountlake Terrace and the greater Seattle metro.
Tom's B&M Auto · 17820 Hwy 99, Suite E, Lynnwood · Serving greater Seattle
Also serving: Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Kenmore, Alderwood Manor