Noise in the front left wheel, possible CV Joint?

Hi,

Often times a CV joint will make a clicking sound when making a sharp turn. Have you noticed that at all? I'm curious because you indicated it makes the sound over bumps. To me, that sounds more like a suspension noise such as a broken or weak shock, ball joint, and so on. Have you checked any of those things?

As far as a CV joint/axle replacement, it really isn't too hard. It does require a few special tools, but not many. Keep in mind, most parts stores will lend you tools. What they do oftentimes they charge you for the tool and then refund you when it's returned.

First, here is a link that shows how it's done in general. You can use this as a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The pics below correlate with the directions.

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2011 Toyota Truck Tacoma 4WD L4-2.7L (2TR-FE)
Removal
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints Axle Shaft Assembly Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Front Drive Shaft Assembly Removal
REMOVAL
DRIVE SHAFT: FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY (for 4WD): REMOVAL

1. DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL

2. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL

3. DRAIN DIFFERENTIAL OIL

4. SEPARATE FRONT SPEED SENSOR

pic1

(a)Remove the bolt and separate the front speed sensor.

(b)Disengage the 2 clamps.

(c)Remove the bolt and separate the speed sensor wire harness from the steering knuckle.

5. SEPARATE TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY

(a)Remove the cotter pin and nut.

(b)Using SST, separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.

pic 2

SST : 09628-62011

6. REMOVE FRONT AXLE HUB NUT

pic 3

(a)Using a screwdriver and a hammer, remove the front axle hub grease cap.

(b)Remove the cotter pin and adjusting cap.

pic 4

(c)Remove the front axle hub nut.

7. SEPARATE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER ARM

pic 5

(a)Remove the 2 bolts and separate the front lower ball joint attachment front from the steering knuckle.

8. REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

pic 6

(a)Using SST, remove the front drive shaft.

SST : 09520-01010

SST : 09520-24010

09520-32040

NOTICE:
Be careful not to damage the oil seal.

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Install

2011 Toyota Truck Tacoma 4WD L4-2.7L (2TR-FE)
Installation
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints Axle Shaft Assembly Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Front Drive Shaft Assembly Installation
INSTALLATION
DRIVE SHAFT: FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY (for 4WD): INSTALLATION

1. INSTALL FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

pic 7

(a)Coat the spline of the inboard joint shaft with ATF.

(b)Align the shaft splines and install the drive shaft with a brass bar and hammer.

NOTICE:
* Set the snap ring with the opening side facing downward.
* Be careful not to damage the oil seal.

HINT
Whether the inboard joint shaft is in contact with the pinion shaft or not can be confirmed from the sound or feeling when driving it.

2. INSTALL FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER ARM

pic 8

(a)Install the front lower ball joint attachment with the 2 bolts.

Torque : 160 Nm (1,631 kgf-cm, 118 ft-lbf)

3. INSTALL FRONT AXLE HUB NUT

pic 9

(a)Install the hub nut.

Torque : 235 Nm (2,396 kgf-cm, 173 ft-lbf)

(b)Install the adjusting cap and a new cotter pin.

(c)Install the front axle hub grease cap.

4. INSTALL TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY

(a)Install the tie rod end onto the steering knuckle.

(b)Install the nut.

Torque : 91 Nm (928 kgf-cm, 67 ft-lbf)

(c)Install a new cotter pin.

5. INSTALL FRONT SPEED SENSOR

pic 9

(a)Install the speed sensor wire harness onto the steering knuckle with the bolt.

Torque : 13 Nm (133 kgf-cm, 10 ft-lbf)

(b)Engage the 2 clamps.

(c)Install the speed sensor with the bolt.

Torque : 8.3 Nm (85 kgf-cm, 73 in-lbf)

6. INSTALL FRONT WHEEL

Torque : 113 Nm (1,152 kgf-cm, 83 ft-lbf)

7. ADD DIFFERENTIAL OIL See: Fluid - Differential > Adjustments > Differential Oil

8. INSPECT DIFFERENTIAL OIL See: Fluid - Differential > Adjustments > Differential Oil

9. CONNECT CABLE TO NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL

Torque : 3.9 Nm (40 kgf-cm, 35 in-lbf)

See: Vehicle > Technician Safety Information > Repair Instruction - Precaution

10. CHECK VSC SENSOR SIGNAL (w/ VSC)

for Hydraulic brake booster See: Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Test Mode Procedure

for Vacuum brake booster See: Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Test Mode Procedure

11. CHECK ABS SENSOR SIGNAL (w/o VSC)

See: Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Test Mode Procedure

12. CHECK FOR DIFFERENTIAL OIL LEAKAGE

13. INSPECT AND ADJUST FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT

See: Alignment > Procedures > Front Wheel Alignment (for 4WD and Pre-Runner)

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As far as doing it, if you take your time and follow the directions, you should be fine. But, you have to be comfortable doing it. I will be here to help as much as I can.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe