2005 Chevy Malibu CV Joint

CALEXAND

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
55,000 MILES

I have had a "growling" noise in the front end on left hand turns, especially if applying the brakes. I had a front end alignment done and it was suggested that the noise might be the CV joint. Does this sound like the CV joint?

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 4:27 PM

8 Replies

CRZYDRVR

MEMBER
432 POSTS

Usually when you hear a growling noise it is a wheel bearing. When a CV axle joint goes bad you normally hear more of a clicking and binding noise when turning. Keep us posted on your results

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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 7:41 PM

PRUITTX2

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What if you have already replaced the left fr wheel bearing with a new one, still had the noise, went and got another new bearing, thinking the first one was bad, and put in the 2nd new one, and STILL had the same growling noise? Thats what I have going on. I have done autobody repair for 20 years.
I hand torqued the alxe nut, and can't think of why this is still growling at me, unless the CV Joint is bad.
It will make a slighty louder growl while turning left, and almost go away in a right turn. But going straight, its enough to drive you batty at highway speeds. The Bearing I took out was SHOT! And came out of the knuckle in 2 pieces, So I was SURE that was the problem. Now I'm thinkin its got to be the driver side alxe, of something in the tranny, as it Really seems to be from the left front, and not the right bearing going also. Unless sound REALLY travels thru the cradle that bad! ANY IDEAS before I snatch my self bald?

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Saturday, February 28th, 2009 AT 7:36 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,750 POSTS

Replace the other side. I have been burnt by this a dozen times. Its a wheel bearing noise, trust your gut but trust me when I tell you its the other side. Let me know how you make out.

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Saturday, February 28th, 2009 AT 7:41 PM

PRUITTX2

MEMBER
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Thanx for the quick reply, at least now, having done the job 2 times on the left side, I could do the right one in about 35 minutes. I had to go to a diff store, to get the first one warranted cause they only stock 1. Now I'll have to drive about 30 miles to get a second one for the right side, but at $129 ea, I sure hope thats the problem. Nothing like throwing money at a car, to not have the problem fixed!

I do find it hard to believe that its is the right side, When it sounds SO MUCH like its coming from the left front! But I have been wrong before!

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Saturday, February 28th, 2009 AT 8:06 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,750 POSTS

I use a tool called a chassis ear whre I actually hitch up electrical attachments to each wheel and listen with headphones while driving, thats how I found the first problem one. I was sure it was the left front and replaced it twice, the other 2 techs I worked with road tested and both agreed with me, I then hitched up the chassis ear and sure enough it was clear as a bell it was the other side.