Eddo,
How do you know if a CV joint has gone bad, got rael bad front end issue on ride home from work. Almost like something way out of balance. Any thoughts?

Usually some sort of clicking noise. Maybe a clunk of some kind in 4wd. A CV normally won't give you bad vibrations like a wheel way out of balance, especially in 2wd.

I don't think its CV, but it very hard to say without being there. The CV are quite stout on the KJ. Plus if you drive around in 2wd most of the time you don't have any load on the CVs so even if they are at a steep angle it shouldn't cause hardly any wear.

Try putting it into 4wd. If a clunk appears or the shutter gets worse then it could be the CVs, but it could also be a drive shaft, u-joint, or any part of the front angle drive system.

Also, see if the noise or symptoms get works when you make a sharp turn. If it doesn't then it is likely not your outer CV joint at least.

Eddo,
if you got a minute,check thread about ABS sensors just above this one I seemed to have turned it into this CV thread also. I am not a good typer, so that one has a little more detail on what I tring to describe. Any knowledge on JE REEL CV's?

Could they be refering to the boot on the front driveshaft joint?

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I'm baaaaccckkk...
LOST Member 10
If you can read this you don't need glasses, go Wheel your Jeep!

My KJ's in the shop right now for the drive shaft job. They've had her for two hours. I imagine I'll hear from them around lunchtime. When I see the paperwork, I'll provide the language straight from the horse's mouth. Still seems weird that I need a new drive shaft of ANY kind. I've treated the vehicle gently compared to most of you and no one else has needed a drive shaft replaced.

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2003 Liberty Sport
Bright Silver Metallic
Daystar lift
General Tire Grabber AT2 245/70R16

KJ's back home, all in one piece, no more mone spent.

The dealership replaced the whole front end drive shaft assembly because the original one was missing a boot. Dealer cost for the parts was over $400, so I'm glad it was covered by warranty. By the time they marked up the parts and charged me for labor, out-of-warranty repair would have easily been $700-800.

Now I can drain and fill the front differential this week when it warms up and I'll be done until summer.

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2003 Liberty Sport
Bright Silver Metallic
Daystar lift
General Tire Grabber AT2 245/70R16