CV Boot Noise

[Fried_Chicken]

I’m an idiot.

When re-installing the CV joints I used a hammer to try to get them in to the axle. They refused, and in the end I used a chisel, dry ice, and a blowtorch.

I think they’re making noise now, although I’m not 100% sure. What do bad CV joints sound like? I want to nail down this diagnosis.

[cornercarver]

What do bad CV joints sound like?
YouTube has a bunch of videos you could use for reference...

[Fried_Chicken]

YouTube has a bunch of videos you could use for reference...

I see a lot for the front, but nothing for the back. I hear a very sublte sort of clunking that doesn’t resonate through the body (I don’t feel anything). Only at low speed.

[Fried_Chicken]

I think it’s the CV axles; Do these typically go bad? I want to get some used ones from someone parting out their car. They’re universal across the e46 (except M3), with the difference being between the AT and the MT. Mine were fine at 160k miles but putting some with over 200k miles on seems stupid

[az3579]

They do not typically go bad unless the boots have been torn for a while.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[AWhiteZHP]

Check the lash in the differential and the center support bearing too. If it were me, I would do the following:
1) Put car on jackstands and try to recreate the noise. Have a helper modulate throttle in order to vary the load on the axles while you look for irregularities.
If you see nothing, do this:
2) Remove axle shafts from the car and inspect them closely. Repeat step 1, this time without axles and note the difference. If you hear a noise, use a mechanics stethoscope (just put the butt of a long screwdriver up to your ear) and touch the other side to the CSB and differential. Listen for anything funky.
If you've still found nothing, do this:
3) Disconnect prop shaft from differential and ensure that there's no pinion movement, or excessive play between the two drive wheels. Refer to the service manual for these limits.
If you're still lost:
4) Inspect wheel bearings, rear bushings, sway bar end links. Check your exhaust hangers and routing as well.
If it's none of these:
5) Divide by 0.