Okay...I am up next. Got the rattle and at least the rear driveshaft CV is going quickly. I want to replace the front and rear driveshaft CV joints at the same time while I am into it.
Thanks for any thoughts and/or confirmation.
Found CV joint boot on the front drive or propeller shift completely gone on the transfer case end. Was told by dealer parts person when I inquired that on our Jeep Liberty the front drive shaft or propeller shaft CV Joint/Boot was not serviceable and that you had to buy the whole shaft assembly and replace it at well over $300.
NOT True! Found and ordered the replacement boot from "Driveshaft Parts" part No. ME807BK. Removed the shaft and upon dis-assembly discovered the CV Joint cage was broken.
Then ordered the whole CV Joint/Boot kit from Detroit Axle Part No. 89234hf23. Very good parts kit, came with Neoprene Boot, CV joint, end cap, new bolts, washers, boot clamp, and 3% moly grease.
Notes of interest:
You have to pry open the original metal boot flange and metal end seal flange to get them off and be able to access the E-clip to remove the CV joint. I actually cut part of it open using a air driven wizz wheel. If the CV Joint is not broken, it would be a simple remove, clean and repack the joint and replace the inside boot along with the end seal cap. Once the new parts are installed on the shaft, you must use some 8mm x 1.25 nuts to clamp everything back together and then using a small hammer, re-bend the new boot and end cap flanges into the groves on the CV joint in order to reseal everything. I did use some silicone sealer on the inner flange surfaces to fill any gaps and ensure a good tight grease seal. I also used some locktite on the CV Joint bolts to ensure they stay put when I re installed the shaft.
Pictures of process:Bad.Broken PartsNew PartsJoint RemovedNew U-Joint Clamped with bolts/nutsAfter rebending/resealing flangesFinished JointBack installed on Jeep