CV Axel Replacement/ creaking noise

[ColinM31]

Hello, I was wondering if anybody has had experience with CV axel issues? I have a slight creaking noise in my 2011 Ford Edge SEL while turning my wheel at very slow speeds and am curious if this could be the issue. My vehicle has 84,000 miles and just had both front struts replaced so I can eliminate that being the potential issue. If anybody who has experienced this issue could help me with the diagnosis I would greatly appreciate it. As well as anybody who has gotten these replaced, if you could please shed some light on how much this repair costs. Thank you!

Edited August 24, 2022 by ColinM31

[handfiler]

Did it make the noise before the struts were replaced? Were the upper strut mount bearing plates replaced? 

If not that could be the source of the creaking noise.

[ColinM31]

@handfiler I’m not sure if the upper strut mount bearings were replaced. But I don’t recall hearing this noise at all before expect in the last couple of weeks. The strut noise was the usual clunking, but after both were replaced I recall a period of time where there was no noise. Both struts were replaced less than 6 months ago. Thanks

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

if you have chromeclad wheels, they can cause noises as well, usually clicking though.

[enigma-2]

On 8/25/2022 at 7:49 AM, ColinM31 said:

Both struts were replaced less than 6 months ago. Thanks

 

6 months? Ummmmm.

Motorcraft or Chinese aftermarket?

[ColinM31]

@enigma-2 I'm not exactly sure, It was done at the Dealership so i would assume OEM replacements or at least a reputable brand

[ColinM31]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience getting their CV Axel's replaced at the Dealership (Or any Mechanic's Shop)? If so could you please share some information on the matter: how long it took, how much it costed, any kind of warranty with the repair, etc? I am starting to think that mine will need to be replaced soon on my 2011 Ford Edge SEL AWD, it only has 85,000 miles but I am starting to hear a clicking noise when turning the wheels left to right at slow speeds Thank you all in advance!

[enigma-2]

On Your Mechanic it's reported that the cost for a Ford Edge CV Axle / Shaft Assembly Replacement is $246 with $151 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

 

I'd set aside a little more if done at a Ford dealership. 

[ColinM31]

@enigma-2 do you mind me asking which location you used when searching that quote. That seems very reasonable. Would you recommend getting this done at a ford dealership or would you feel comfortable getting this repair done pretty much anywhere? Thanks!

[enigma-2]

I used 46526. Probably not a Ford dealer however. As far as where, I usually use the dealer in my area, but never hurts to ask around as to who others in your area recommend. Asking around after church usually gets good advice. I use dealer as I'm still under extended warranty. 

[enigma-2]

https://www.yourmechanic.com/estimates/ford/edge/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement

[ColinM31]

Looks like for my area it would be closer to $600

[enigma-2]

Is that the service that comes to your location to do the service? 

Why not call Ford dealer in your area and get a quote? (Starting point). They should be higher as they will quote Motorcraft parts. Could also try local NAPA dealer, if they don't service in your area, they may recommend. 

[ColinM31]

That’s a great idea! I called a mom and pop shop yesterday and he ball parked over $1k for job, I thought that seemed kind of high. Especially with you showing me that link where they will come out and do the repair for $600. I’d like to be around $300-400 (if not cheaper) but not sure that is possible.

[enigma-2]

I'd use Ford dealer as the base. Any shop quoting more than them are obviously padding the bottom end. (Or are uncertain as to what's required).

[fishx65]

I just replaced the passenger side strut mount hoping it was the clicking problem in my 2011 SEL.  It wasn't so I'm gonna replace the CV axle next.  Looks like a fairly easy job so I'm thinking of just grabbing one at Autozone for $110.00 and doing it myself. Mine clicks while turning right at slow speed.

Edited October 5, 2022 by fishx65

[ColinM31]

Let me know how you make out? I took mine to a fire dealership and they did an inspection of the entire front end and found no issues. I even specified my my concern with the CV axels. They found an extremely small leak in the power steering pump but said it’s something that can just be monitored every inspection to see if it’s worsen. Still thinking about doing the axels myself if it’s not too hard.

[fishx65]

13 hours ago, fishx65 said:

I just replaced the passenger side strut mount hoping it was the clicking problem in my 2011 SEL.  It wasn't so I'm gonna replace the CV axle next.  Looks like a fairly easy job so I'm thinking of just grabbing one at Autozone for $110.00 and doing it myself. Mine clicks while turning right at slow speed.

 

There's a pretty good "How-to" Youtube video by TRQ which makes it look super easy.  Ran out to Autozone this morning and grabbed the CV Axle and a 36mm socket.  Only took me a half hour to get the axle out but will wait for a friend this afternoon to install the new one.  Definitely worth doing if you have the time and a little mechanical ability.  I'll edit this post later if I run into any snags putting the new one in.

[ColinM31]

Thank you! I would greatly appreciate any pictures or tips you find out during your repair. Also maybe break down at the end how much it cost when all said and done. I have a quote for $575 right now for both driver and passenger side replacement. I’d also love to know if it solves the noise you were hearing 

[fishx65]

On 10/5/2022 at 4:05 PM, ColinM31 said:

Thank you! I would greatly appreciate any pictures or tips you find out during your repair. Also maybe break down at the end how much it cost when all said and done. I have a quote for $575 right now for both driver and passenger side replacement. I’d also love to know if it solves the noise you were hearing 

It was pretty easy to get the new CV axle in.  I crawled under and held it in place while a buddy tapped it in with a rubber mallet.  The whole job from start to finish took about an hour and a half and was exactly how it looked in that TRQ Youtube vid. I just used a floor jack and jack stand to lift the passenger side. My torque wrench only goes to 150 ft lbs so I just cranked the axle nut on with a hunk of pipe which was probably pretty close to 268 ft lbs.  Paid  $130.00 for the new axle and a 36mm socket from Autozone. No more clicking when turning to the right!!!! It was way easier than I thought it would be:)  The $575 quote you received for both sides seems extremely reasonable if it includes both CV axles.

Edited October 7, 2022 by fishx65

[fishx65]

On 10/5/2022 at 4:05 PM, ColinM31 said:

Thank you! I would greatly appreciate any pictures or tips you find out during your repair. Also maybe break down at the end how much it cost when all said and done. I have a quote for $575 right now for both driver and passenger side replacement. I’d also love to know if it solves the noise you were hearing 

Not sure if it's common but the CV axle I purchased at Autozone is not balanced or the CV joints are bad.  I'm getting a shimmy when accelerating and it seems to be getting worse.  I will be replacing it with a genuine Ford part and getting a refund from Autozone.  I highly recommend grabbing one from the stealership for $170.00. 

 

Just a quick update:  The brand new Auto Zone axle had a really bad inner CV joint. Put the Motorcraft CV axle in last night and it's perfect:)  Only took a half hour this time!!

Edited November 15, 2022 by fishx65

[enigma-2]

Couldn't agree more. I've never had good luck with aftermarket suspension parts. They work but there's always a growing, or grinding or roar. Never been happy with anything except OEM.