Hi all- I heard some grinding on my way home from work yesterday. Upon inspection my front drivers side cv joint popped about 1-2 inches out of the differential! The CV axle is about 18k miles old and the boot is in great shape. Can I just shove it back into the differential and hope for the best?

 

No, what are you driving?

 

It's a 1996 GMC Jimmy 4x4

 

Sorry I only have explodeds for my passenger side. Anybody eles?

 

Well if it came out once it probably will again. Check the little clip at the end of the shaft that goes into the differential it might be broken or missing. Check the splines on it too they might have sheared off when it was slipping out and THAT would be the grinding noise you heard.

 

Is the clip replaceable? The 4wd has been so troublesome over the years if something in the differential is screwed up I'm going to make it 2wd.

 

Yes the clip is replacable. take it to a auto parts store and ask em if they have another one. When you put the shaft back in you have to get the splines to line up just right for it to pop into place. It WILL fit in there without the clip popped into place but you won't have 4wd just tap it with a hammer till it pops in. I can post pics of what i'm talkin about if that would help you can get it to pop into place without even taking the tire off.

 

Do I have to remove the joint out to inspect the clip? I'm planning on jacking up that side and rotating the wheel until the splines line up and then whacking it in.

 

I had a joint pop out 6mo after I replaced it. 99 was standard ride height and my son took it on a highway road trip and then I see some fluid on the ground. It was out about a 1/2in. Popped it in and looked OK for about a week. Figuring it was the clip I decided to pull it to take a look. Looked fine so I ended up trading it in for a new unit. I still had my receipt so I just paid the difference between rebuilt vs new. Been good for about 2 months but who knows. The vehicle is a nightmare. Service every two weeks.

 

The clip was ok? I have the stock ride height too... I have no idea why it would pop out.