Centre Differential or CV joint -Clunking Noise

[haggs8]

When the wheel is turned all the way to the left or right there is a clunking noise. It is when the car is turning slow and sharp. It is a consistent noise. There is no vibration at highway speed. Runs straight, no noise. It is much worse when the car has been driving and has warmed up. Very little noise when the car is cold. Slight but not like when the car has been driven for 20 plus min.

I'm leaning towards the centre differential needing to be replaced. Just checking that people agree and it isn't the cv joint. The cv joint has some movement back and forth when the wheel is off, just not sure what is normal amount. The boot is not cracked.

Also trying to figure out what is a normal amount of movement on the bushing on the rear control arm.

Thanks

 

[bmart]

Probably viscous coupling. Recent tire changes/issues/PSI variance?

 

[keith3267]

Those are classic symptoms of a bad CV joint, not the center differential. Usually a CV joint starts clicking after the boot is torn and crud gets into the joint. Be sure to check both the inner and outer joint boots, not just the outer. Also check both front and rear, sound travels faster through metal than air so the location of the sound can fool you.

The center differential does not engage at low speeds unless one tire has lost traction and is spinning very fast, as on glare ice.

Don't rule out a brake issue (unlikely but possible) or the front differential. Some front differentials have a very strict oil change interval that many are not aware of, check the PM schedule in your owners manual or owners maintenance manual.

 

[bmart]

My VC was felt failing only at slow speeds, like around a corner.

 

[RedJ117]

@haggs8 what did you find? Mine is having the same problem. I have 78k+ miles on mine, so it could be either.