Need help: Bad CV axle? video included

Picked up a 2001 double cab 4x4 with 222k miles on it. Super clean 1 owner truck. I heard a kind of ratcheting sound as a slowed and turned right at a stop sign. Then again on approaching a stop sign today. Both times I was slowing from 15 mph to a stop and the wheels were turned slightly.

I decided to pull the front apart and see what I could find. Balljoints look good and don't feel like they have any play in them. Bearings and hub look ok as well, although I'll probably just order parts and rebuild them anyway. It's been awhile since I've replaced a CV and these feel a little loose, but they aren't binding. However, the boots feel like the have a minimal amount of grease in them. So not sure if the CV are just tired or not. (see video below)

The thing that has me a little curious is the inner end of the CV (tulip???) has a fair amount of in/out play. If I grab the housing in the inner sire of the CV and jiggle it there isn't much play, which I hope means the splines are ok. However, I can slide the CV in/out about 4mm which seems to be more than I remember on these things. (see video below)

Anyone have any thoughts on if these things are toast? I have no idea how many miles are actually on them.


Inner CV (tulip) slop - click on the picture to play the video:




CV slop - click on the picture to play the video:

 

I would recommend replacing the CV since you're that far into it anyway. The bigger question is whether the tulip has excessive play where it goes into the front differential ( north/south). Usually is worse on the drivers side.

 

The tulip does have some play (north/south as you say). If the splines were tight I wouldn't expect much play, but... there is more than I would expect. I am a little concerned about the splines on the inside of the diff being worn. I'm going to tear the CV apart and check the splines, bearings and the tulip. Also going to look at the diff side seals. May just try rebuilding the CV... good project for my son given this is his truck. Thank you for the input!

 

The excess play on the drivers side diff. is a typical tacoma issue. The only real fix for this is to replace the bearing inside the front differential with a BUSHING from EAST COAST GEAR SUPPLY. There are right-ups on here somewhere with pictures and other info. I strongly urge you to look this up. The vibration will never go away unless you do this modification. Just did mine and the truck rides super smooth now. They offer a bearing removal tool, bushing, and outer seal combo kit.

 

+1!

Doing mine in the upcoming weeks.

I will have my tool for sale cheap when I am done. Not sure if you will be waiting that long, if not there are many others here who have the tool who will be willing to sell.

 

Thanks guys... I actually found the threads on ECGS bushing last night and ordered the bushing and tool. I also ordered new toyota reman cv's and some new diff seals. I'm just hoping that the side bearings in the diff aren't toast... guess I'll find out when I get in there. I'll rebuild the current oem cv's and keep them as trail spares.

 

Rebuild using Porsche boots for higher angles with less boot wear

 

Cool - I'll search for a thread on this... assuming there is information on here about. Thank you!

 

Will this work for a second gen? I believe that I have the same issue.