This has been an interesting two weeks. What are the odds of three driver's side CV-Joints going bad on the a family fleet all at about the same time? That has to be a very high odds bet.
As it happens our Highlander, Traverse and my Caddy DTS all have bad driver's side CV joints. First up is the Highlander -- this one was pretty tough ti figure out. It produced a whine and not a clunking sound, but never-the-less it was the CV joint.
I opted for a new NAPA unit versus a re-manufactured unit just to lessen the odds of a "comeback" :))
It's a fairly standard procedure. Loosen the brake and ABS sensor lines and remove the caliper and caliper bracket along with the rotor.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0781%20Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0782%20Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0783%20Medium.jpg)
The CV joint nut is staked and requires a 12pt 30mm deep socket to remove properly. I used a small chisel to loosen the stake.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0785%20Medium.jpg)
Remove the two knuckle bolts and pull the knuckle outward to release the splined CV joint.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0786%20Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0787%20Medium.jpg)
Getting the joint out of the transmission requires a prybar to loosen the snap ring in the end of the shaft
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0789%20Medium.jpg)
Best was to loosen the snap ring is to drive a pry-bar between the transmission housing and the CV joint and give it a quick pull to release the snap ring/
Here is where the pry-bar should be driven in
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0790%20Medium.jpg)
The new joint is reinserted into the transmission and the end is hit with a mallet to snap the retaining snap-ring back into it;s locking position.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0788%20Medium.jpg)
The knuckle is reattached to the splines and the strut and the CV joint nut installed loosely by hand
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0791%20Medium.jpg)
The CV joint nut is tightened with an impact wrench and staked with a punch
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0792%20Medium.jpg)
Button up the caliper bracket, caliper, brake lines, and ABS wiring and it's good to go.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Highlander/CV_Joint/PICT0794%20Medium.jpg)
On to the next vehicle ..