Road Test

NOTE: Inspect the axle shaft joint boots for cuts, undercoating overspray, loose axle shaft joint boot clamps and other obvious signs of damage before road testing.

A clicking or popping noise that occurs during tight turns could indicate outboard axle shaft joint damage. Clunking and shuddering during accelerating or decelerating could indicate inboard axle shaft joint damage. For suspension concerns not related to the axle shafts, see appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION. If the concern remains after the inspection, diagnose by symptom. See SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS .