any car experts or mechanics who can advise please

poppasmurf_bewdley

A CVJ applies the power from the gearbox to the wheels whilst allowing the car to steer.

See:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.2jsautomotive.com%2Fblog%2Fcv-joint-acting%2F&h=0&w=0&sz=1&tbnid=91R-dRgO7Wt9RM&tbnh=192&tbnw=262&zoom=1&docid=txKS5a2AROjNnM&hl=en&ei=4XFaUp7GG-Oh0QWaroHYBA&ved=0CAIQsCU&biw=1366&bih=653

If it's clicking, it will need replacing. Just replacing the cover will not cure the problem.

colino

Conceivably a cv joint can be cleaned and repacked and with new gaitors, last for a very long time. Unfortunately as you are paying for the labour, and with such a popular car, it is cheaper for them to simply replace with another complete, reconditioned/new driveshaft. They are virtually on constant special offer at the factors and are now really treated as consumables as so few in the trade actually want to muck about actually repairing them. Off and on in 15 minutes flat.

facade

If it is only clicking on full lock, and they regrease the joint when they change the boot, it will last ages.

You could buy a second hand driveshaft* from a breakers with good rubber boots, and get your garage to fit it for slightly less than they would charge to change the inboard rubber boot.
Even an EBay special (that might just about last 2 years) is only £30 for the complete shaft with both joints and rubber boots already fitted.
(inboard = engine end outboard = wheel end)

*They are handed, one is longer than the other.

worried123

Thank you all so much (I love this site...such helpful replies always). So it sounds like a new drive shaft. I personally cannot shop around to find one so would ask them to get it....and hopefully the problem will be resolved.

Many thanks again.

worried123

So sorry.....went away and started worrying again.

So, if they fit a new driveshaft - I am thinking this will address all the problems (will this include the gaiter and cv joints etc)...

How much roughly should they charge me. You mentioned that it takes about 15 minutes to replace one so I am thinking that it will not cost much in labour.

I have no idea of the cost...are we talking about hundreds at all? I know that someone mentioned that a refurbished one on ebay is about 30 but i shallnt be doing this....just asking them to supply and fit....would this also address the noise coming from one side......and you do know that the clunking, clicking noise sounds as though it is coming from underneath when i turn a sharp corner or do a three point turn......thank you
Many thanks indeed.....

forgotmyname

15 minutes to replace a driveshaft? I think someone needs new batteries in their clock. It stopped 15 mionutes after starting the job.

Although its not a difficult job it will take longer than 15 minutes and they will probably charge a minimum of an hours labour anyway.

A complete inner and outer shaft maybe slightly dearer but if the gaiters been split for a while the grease may have washed out and be fairly worn so it maybe cheaper in the long run.

Norman_Castle

So, if they fit a new driveshaft - I am thinking this will address all the problems (will this include the gaiter and cv joints etc)...

New driveshaft includes inner and outer joints with boots. If you trust your garage ask about the cost for both jobs and advice as to what is needed.

worried123

Thank you both very much indeed......much appreciated.

colino

You will be charged a minimum hours labour, but even a first year apprentice or a geriatric improver will swap an ordinary Corsa driveshaft in 15 minutes, or they'd be looking for a new berth. Longest part of the job is putting it on and off the ramp.

Westmead_Fan

colino wrote: »

You will be charged a minimum hours labour, but even a first year apprentice or a geriatric improver will swap an ordinary Corsa driveshaft in 15 minutes, or they'd be looking for a new berth. Longest part of the job is putting it on and off the ramp.

if you say so, what happens with older vehicles having seized nuts & bolts, if you rush these sort of jobs you risk doing damage to the hub area or gearbox splines