I have a 1998 Acura SLX (Isuzu Trooper) and have a CV joint issue.
The boots were torn and I was going to remove and inspect the units, if OK re-pack and reinstall.
The LF went ok, but when I went to take out the RF side, the tie rod end refused to release. Likely original (CV boot appears so, 161k miles total). No rust or real degradation (PNW car). I tried hammering, then a Pittman arm puller. After it broke (too much leverage), I tried a sturdier gear puller. Then heated it with an oxy-acetylene torch and penetrant, hammered, puller pressure, nothing.
I have no noises coming from the joint and it drives perfectly. I decided to set it aside since it appeared I would have to destroy the tie rod end, get an alignment, etc. Ideas?
Also, I noticed when I went to put it back together, there was some slight play if I grabbed the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and wiggled - from the hub assembly, not the tie rod/steering). None at 6/12 hold. I removed the hub and inspected the bearing and race - all looked good (I had re-packed it a few years ago). I re-installed and properly checked pre-load, etc. but wiggle was still there, again fore-aft and not vertically.
Is that the bearing, or CV joint? Keep driving it until it makes noise and replace, or...?
The boots were torn and I was going to remove and inspect the units, if OK re-pack and reinstall.
The LF went ok, but when I went to take out the RF side, the tie rod end refused to release. Likely original (CV boot appears so, 161k miles total). No rust or real degradation (PNW car). I tried hammering, then a Pittman arm puller. After it broke (too much leverage), I tried a sturdier gear puller. Then heated it with an oxy-acetylene torch and penetrant, hammered, puller pressure, nothing.
I have no noises coming from the joint and it drives perfectly. I decided to set it aside since it appeared I would have to destroy the tie rod end, get an alignment, etc. Ideas?
Also, I noticed when I went to put it back together, there was some slight play if I grabbed the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and wiggled - from the hub assembly, not the tie rod/steering). None at 6/12 hold. I removed the hub and inspected the bearing and race - all looked good (I had re-packed it a few years ago). I re-installed and properly checked pre-load, etc. but wiggle was still there, again fore-aft and not vertically.
Is that the bearing, or CV joint? Keep driving it until it makes noise and replace, or...?
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