how much play should cv axle have

im trying to find source of a pretty bad vibration and noise. wheel bearings seem ok, driveshaft isnt sloppy, but the CV axle on the driver's side has a quarter to half inch of lateral movement. Is this normal or sign CV axle needs replacing?

 

Are you stock or lifted???

 

What year tacoma? And what do you mean by lateral movement?

 

Could possibly be your drivers side needle bearing. Luckily it's a fairly easy fix.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-vibes-ecgs-bushing-fix.464941/

 

I am also curious of this. My passenger side CV has much less play than the drivers side. My truck is a completely stock '13. It makes a loud metal on metal noise when going over bumps traveling around 25-35 mph. Also makes the noise when braking hard. Im pretty sure its the play in my driver's side cv axle near the front diff. Any thoughts?

Edited to add: I don't have the vibration or groaning noise that is often associated with the needle bearing and it makes this metal on metal noise in 2wd & 4wd. Could this still be the needle bearing?

 

If you have a significant amount of up and down play right where the cv axle goes into the differential, then you would be best to replace the needle bearing in the diff that supports the cv axle. If you select 4wheel drive and that noise you are having goes away or is reduced significantly, then for sure that's your problem. Eatsleeptacos, 2posts up, has the link. I did this ecgs bushing fix over a year ago and zero issues since. If you work on your own truck, you should be able to do this fairly easily. Just review the link and watch the video a few times. And there are, I 'm sure still plenty of tools available from folks here. My 2cents.

 

its an 06. if you grab it with your hand you can move it side to side

 

Side to side, bad needle bearing. In and out, something else all together.

 

bone stock

 

driver side is side to side, passenger side is a tiny amount of in and out

 

Click on eatsleeptacos link. Read it. In the first write up, there is a link to east coast gear and supply. They have designed a bushing to replace the needle bearing. Many folks have done it and it works! Read more on the link if you want, you will deff know if this is your problem or not. Good luck.

 

thank you!

 

In my experience, the noise almost always goes away in 4wd. So, I believe you have somethingelse going on. Not for certain. Maybe you can secure a phone under there and video it while duplicating the noise. Many have done that here and it is very helpful. If you upload it, most assured someone will get you on the fix. Good luck.

 

Op sounds like he has the bad needle bearing.

Yours sounds like worn out LCA bushing. The bushings where the lower control arm mounts to the frame.

 

Is this possible on a truck with 24k miles? Seems like it should last quite a bit longer than this

 

Maybe, maybe not. I think mine started doing it around then. Would happen a lot of I was in reverse with the wheels turned all the way. Hitting bumps at slower speeds. The bolts might not be torqued to spec, 100 ftlbs. Could be something else but if it's a metal on metal clunk I'll bet it isn't the CV. They should last way longer than the bushings in the LCA.

 

Thanks for the input, ill try reversing later while turning to see if I can replicate the noise. Its strange though because I live on a rock road and I never hear the noise. its only when i'm on pavement and I hit a bump going 20-30 or when i'm going at least 30-40 and then start braking hard.