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CV joints and axles replacement?

Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 JEEP PATRIOT
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I bought my truck in 2018 and it only had 15,000 miles and one prior owner but that person hit something on the passenger side so hard they bent both rims. I have had my vehicle for 5 years now and I have put a lot of miles on it (140,000) because I travel for work. I've had to replace the bearings on the front passenger side, and I got some rims. Now I know I have to replace the CV joint and the axle in the front. Should I go ahead and replace the back CV joint and axle just in case and what about the right lower arm? Since I'm replacing the front axle should I go ahead and replace all of the related parts on the driver's side too?
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 5:03 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Many years ago, I was taught, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. LOL So if there are no issues with the rear axles, let them go.

As far as your question, is this a 2wd or 4wd vehicle? You indicated it is a 2wd, so there shouldn't be rear axles.

Please confirm for me. Also, let me know exactly what needs to be replaced. Is it the front axle/CV joints?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I'm sorry no there isn't a rear axle, it is just the front wheel drive; I'm working so much I can't even think. First day off today since October. All I want to do is fix my truck, that's my Zen.
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I'm replacing the CV axle and the right lower control arm. I watched the video, but I was wondering if you know the specific tools, I'll need for my vehicle 2017 Jeep Patriot LA 2.0L 4L.
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

As far as tools, the axle assembly, you will need a puller (seen in directions) and a hub nut socket which is somewhat large, and a torque wrench that can reach 180 ft/lbs. Also, there is a seal protector tool indicated. Keep in mind, most parts stores will lend you the tools you need.

If you look below, I started with the directions for replacing the axle assembly. Once the lower ball joint is removed and the axle is removed, then you can work on the lower control arm.

The remaining pics are for the control arm. Note that some of the directions are the same as axle replacement.

Let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: In the directions, it shows two hub nut designs. One is for an SRT 4. I don't think that is what you have, so ignore that set of directions and focus on the one prior to it.
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
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  • 53 POSTS
I just want to let you know that I have changed both my CV joint and the right lower control arm. So far so good but something else is not right because I can hear what sounds like metal rubbing on metal.
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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Do you hear that sound when the vehicle is moving or is it when bouncing? Is there anything that can change the pitch of the sound?

Let me know. Also, if it is loud enough to record, do so and upload it for me to hear.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, January 27th, 2023 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
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  • 53 POSTS
I have not heard the clicking anymore but there's been a grinding sound that I hear ever since I changed the sway bar on the right and when the CV joint started to go out, I thought maybe it was that, but I can hear it again.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 5:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Do me a favor. When driving and hearing the sound, see if there is a change in pitch when you turn left or right. Also, check to see if the sound changes when you apply the brakes.

It may be a good idea to just craw under the vehicle to see if there is any evidence of something rubbing.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I'm not sure if that sound is a motor mount or if it still has something to do with whatever the first owner did to the passenger side if you could just let me know I'd appreciate it.
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If it is a motor mount, you would likely hear it when pressing or releasing the throttle. That sounds suspension related. Have you lifted the front of the vehicle and checked for play in steering and suspension components? Also, have you checked the sway bar links to make sure one isn't broken?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 3:10 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I replaced the entire sway bar because it was broken in half. I'm going to start on the suspension next, I just want to get everything done with the drivetrain first and move on to the next issue on the passenger side. Thank you for all of your help, I really appreciate it.
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Sounds like a plan. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help along the way. Also, let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
It's my suspension, the strut and coil are in pretty bad shape. I can't believe I couldn't see it before but now that I found it, it's all I can see.
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 AT 4:39 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Melissa,

If the strut is the issue, here is what I recommend. I would suggest replacing the entire strut assembly that includes the coil spring and the upper mount assembly. They sell them on Rockauto. Com. See pic below. I have a feeling the upper mount is bad as well as the strut. If you get all the parts individually, then you have to put it together which requires tooling, and it will be more expensive.

If you decide you want to get them from where I suggested, let me know. I can get you an additional 5% off.

After they are replaced, the front end will need to be aligned, so keep that in the back of your mind.

Also, please understand that neither I nor our site has anything to do with rockauto. I've learned from experience they have the best price for the entire assembly. I don't want you to think I get a kickback. LOL

I attached the directions below for replacing the entire assembly.

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

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I wish I would have gotten ahold of you before I ordered the strut assembly. I did order the strut, coil, and upper mount assembly package. I would have had to have someone press the coil if I didn't. I don't want to have to pay a shop to modify a part I already paid for. I know I'm cheap but that's why I do my own repairs to my vehicles too.
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 AT 4:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Did you pay a lot more for the assembly? Also, did you get a replacement for both sides? I wouldn't suggest only doing one side.

Also, you certainly aren't cheap. I think the word you are looking for is "smart".

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help and if this resolves the issue.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I only got the passenger side, I didn't really think about the driver's side because of all the damage on the passenger side. I will have to do that when I can afford it. I already got the bearings with the knuckle and replaced that, that was the first thing besides the rims. We travel for work a lot and before we leave on the 11th of this month, I have to get tires and brakes. I definitely will keep you posted.
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Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

No problem. Just be aware that the new strut may hold that side of the vehicle a bit higher because the coil is new. Also, it can affect handling, so be careful.

Remember, especially if you are replacing the tires, I would have it aligned after this work. That's another reason why I made the suggestion. You will likely have to have it aligned two separate times. On the other hand, I totally understand what you are saying.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe
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Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Thank you for all of your help, I will be checking out the diagrams for installing my suspension. Thank you again and have a blessed day.
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Friday, February 3rd, 2023 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
MELISSA ACOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I received my strut package, which includes everything so I don't have to buy it all separately, and I have installed it, but I have not done my alignment because I don't know what degree my vehicle should be at. I tried to look it up and find a video or chart that shows me the correct information, but I keep getting off the wall information that has nothing to do with aligning a vehicle. Once I installed the new strut package my truck is back to being level and doesn't make any weird sounds that scare me and make me not want to drive my truck. I would like to thank you for all the help along the way. Without you, my love of my life, Zach Acosta, and my mother, Jacqueline Frank, I wouldn't have been able to get it done. All of you were a great help to me every step of the way. I appreciate everything.
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Monday, February 6th, 2023 AT 6:56 AM

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