Questions and Answers

Isuzu Trooper Wheel Clunking Noise Q. Vince: I own a 1990 Isuzu Trooper 4WD. 2.6 liter 4 cylinder, manual transmission and 116,000 miles. Clunking noise right front wheel. I pulled the wheel and found the noise is caused by ½" of play in the CV joint where it enters the back of the wheels back plate. I packed it with grease and stopped the noise.

My question: If I don't ever put it in 4 Wheel Drive does it need to be repaired immediately? Is it a job for a back yard mechanic? The prices I see for a CV assembly replacement, as opposed to a kit to fix the joint, is anywhere from $395.00 from the dealer to $139.00 on the web. I'd appreciate your thoughts; I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Tom

A. Even though you don't use the 4WD, that axle is still part of the drivetrain. So if it should break, it will effect the whole driveline.

If you can get a rebuilt axle shaft for $139.00, that would be the way to go. An inner and outer boot kit without the actual CV joint is over $110.00. A CV Joint probably runs over $100.00.

Using a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being inexperienced and 5 being extremely experienced, replacing the axle shaft is a job for someone who is a 4 since it involves removing 4WD locking hubs.