Symptoms
Clicking or popping
noise when turning.
Torn boot
Vibration
or shudder on acceleration or deceleration
Axle
will not stay in the car (separated at the inner cv joint or pulls from
transmission)
 
 
Symptoms
    Clicking
or popping noise when turning.
Possible problems or causes
    Bad outer CV joint
    Bad inner tie rod on
the rack and pinion.  Early signs
    Worn CV joint or torn
boot
Check for
    Torn CV Boot
    Check rack and pinion
Solution
    Replace CV joint or
CV axle
    Replace rack and pinion
If ignored a failed cv axle will leave the car stranded. A failed rack and pinion may result in loss of steering control.
Possible problems or causes
    Damaged under carriage
    Road hazards
Check for
    Damaged suspension
Solution
    If detected early dis-assemble
cv joint and inspect for damage if undamaged replace cv boot.
    If the CV joint has
been damaged replace cv joint or complete axle.
Symptoms
    Vibration
or shudder on acceleration or deceleration
Possible problems or causes
    Bad inner cv joint
    Worn inner tie rod ends
on rack and pinion
    Worn suspension parts
Check for
    Torn inner cv boot
    Signs of grease leaking
around or through inner cv boot
    Rack and pinion and
suspension
Solution
    Replace axle
    Replace Rack and pinion
or worn suspension parts
Symptoms
    Axle
will not stay in the car (separated at the inner cv joint or pulls from
transmission)
Possible problems or causes
    Broken motor mounts
or brackets
       
Common problem in Chrysler fwd vehicles due to the design of the mounting
system
       
Damage from accidents or wrecks
    Broken suspension components
    Incorrect axle (sometimes
in certain vehicles if the mounts are worn the original will
    not separate as it has
worn with the vehicle but a replacement will fall out)
Check for
    Broken mounts. 
Engine and transmission
    Look for wreck damage
- bent or broken motor mount brackets, suspension components
    When replacing an axle
always compare the length of the original to the replacement
Solution
    Replace bent or broken 
motor mounts, mount brackets, suspension components
    NOTE!! Wreck damage
needs to be checked by a certified body shop to insure there is
    not damage to components
which may make the vehicle unsafe.
When deciding to replace a outer joint or
the complete axle you must decide which is easier and most cost effective
for your capabilities.  Replacing the complete axle is usually easier
and less involved.  There is less chance of mishap when installing
the complete axle.
 
In deciding if this
job is something you wish to do on your own look at these pages.
Warning  
(They
are large graphic pages and may take awhile with a slow modem.)