Noise in the front end of my 1997 Dodge Caravan 3.0L

A half-shaft is the alternate to the axle. Many cars have a shaft that turns the wheel from a hub in the tranny. This is what gives you power to the wheels. They have two CV joints(constant velocity) that allow for the steering to happen while it turns the wheel. The rubber protective boot that holds the grease is what gives out in a half-shaft. Your two-wheel drive will have two half-shafts. It is easier to replace the shaft than to repair the CJ joint boot. A new shaft is around $100, and is not difficult to replace for a home mechanic.

Hope I can help. A half-shaft is the alternate to the axle. Many cars have a shaft that turns the wheel from a hub in the tranny. This is what gives you power to the wheels. They have two CV joints(constant velocity) that allow for the steering to happen while it turns the wheel. The rubber protective boot that holds the grease is what gives out in a half-shaft. Your two-wheel drive will have two half-shafts. It is easier to replace the shaft than to repair the CJ joint boot. A new shaft is around $100, and is not difficult to replace for a home mechanic.
Hope I can help.

Try and lift the front wheels, and move them back and forth by hand. Look for any play in the steering tie rod, or the control arms...basically look or feel for any extra play in the joints. If something is loose on one side and not the other, we will know for sure. Everthing should be snug, and you should not get any clicking sounds when you do this. Try and lift the front wheels, and move them back and forth by hand. Look for any play in the steering tie rod, or the control arms...basically look or feel for any extra play in the joints. If something is loose on one side and not the other, we will know for sure. Everthing should be snug, and you should not get any clicking sounds when you do this.