How to replace the front steering cv joint on an 2004 oldsmobile alero

I am not familiar with this model but CV stands for Constant Velocity. CV joints are usually found on the drive shafts. I assume this is a front wheel drive vehicle so the CV joints are attached to the ends of the shaft between the transmition and the centre of the road wheel. If you remove the hub cap you should see a big nut in the middle of the hub this is the outer end.

sounds like the cv joints have gone bad on axle, get underneath and grab the axle and see if it wiggles or moves. if its a howling noise, its a wheel bearing!

ck the cv joints

One would have to remove the half shaft to service the cv joint properly.

CV-Joints Overhaul Check the CV-boot for wear

Removing the outer band from the CV-boot

Removing the inner band from the CV-boot

Removing the CV-boot from the joint housing

Clean the CV-joint housing prior to removing boot

Removing the CV-joint housing assembly

Removing the CV-joint

Inspecting the CV-joint housing

Removing the CV-joint outer snapring

Checking the CV-joint snapring for wear

CV-joint snapring (typical)

Removing the CV-joint assembly

Removing the CV-joint inner snapring

Installing the CV-joint assembly (typical)

When you changed the struts,did you put in complete assemblies with new springs and top bearings?It is usually the top bearings that make noise when turning.Next is worn outer CV joints on the axles.

There are a few components that will cause a clunk such as yours.
Sway links and bushings, ball joint, strut mount, tie rod ends and lower control arm bushings.
If you recently purchased the car and it was checked over by a mechanic the most commonly missed item would be the control arm bushings.
I would suggest you take it to a front end specialist and have it looked over soon.
Hope this helps you.

KL

Doubtful. All the manufactures put not-greaseable fittings on all the front ends now. Your only hope would be if the car had previous owners, that they changed the tie rods, tie rod ends, ball joints, etc., but if they didn't have trouble with them, it is doubtful that they were replaced. Since the car is only a 2004, the front end probably would not have needed replaced.

YOU CAN GO TO AUTO PARTS PLACE AND BUY THE CV JOINT BOOTS.YOU HAVE TO BUY THE BOOT CLAMPS CRIMP TOOL.IF YOU ARE GOING TO OVERHAUL YOUR CV JOINT ASSEMBLY.YOU NEED A REPAIR MANUAL TO SHOW YOU HOW TO TAKE CV JOINT APART.CLEAN IT UP AND REPACK.

Check to see if your cv boots are torn. Each tire has a black boot on each side check them for holes if so replace boot before damage. it may be too late. It couls be a cv joint.

most of the time clicking noise come from the outer cv joints.