If any checks reveal excessive wear or play in an axle shaft joint, first remove the wheel cover or center cover and ensure the axle shaft nut is tightened to the specified torque, repeating this check on the other side of the vehicle. Conduct a road test while listening for a metallic clicking from the front as the vehicle is driven slowly in a circle on full-lock; a clicking noise indicates wear in the outer constant velocity joint, necessitating replacement since reconditioning is not possible. To replace an outer CV joint, remove the axle shaft and separate the joint from it. If vibration consistent with road speed is felt through the car during acceleration, there may be wear in the inner tripod joints, which also require the axle shaft to be removed for replacement. Continual noise from the right-hand axle shaft that increases with road speed may suggest wear in the support bearing; replacing this bearing involves removing the axle shaft and intermediate shaft, then extracting the bearing with a puller. After removing the bearing dust cover, obtain a new one, and drive or press on the new bearing, applying pressure only to the inner race, followed by the new dust cover.
