Replace CV axle shafts

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Red Rider

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I have had a weird feeling in my 2004 Tahoe z71 when I have steering cranked to one side and backing up. It almost feels like the truck slipped on some leaves. Then recently I have been getting mysterious, one off clunks when maneuvering. Once it happened at the bottom of a ramp driving straight down.

Front bearings are new. So I am thinking it’s a CV axle shaft issue. I am going to try to get it jacked to inspect today.

If it is axle shafts, anyone recommend a good brand? I see this A-Premium brand on Amazon and wanted to see if anyone tried those.

Does the sway bar connecting rod need to be replaced when you do the shafts?
 
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Joseph Garcia

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I don't know what you have for a vehicle, but check the front differential bushings, before you start taking anything apart.
 
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Red Rider

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Yes. Thanks. I thought I had it there. It’s been a while since I posted it here
 
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Red Rider

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So jacked it up this evening. Looks like sway bar link lost its nut on driver side. Everything else looked pretty tight. I think I will just replace those on both sides.

Found some on Amazon. Not sure about the brand. Suspension dudes?
 

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Joseph Garcia

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So jacked it up this evening. Looks like sway bar link lost its nut on driver side. Everything else looked pretty tight. I think I will just replace those on both sides.

Found some on Amazon. Not sure about the brand. Suspension dudes?
Great to read that you found the source of your issue, before firing the parts cannon. I'm not familiar with that brand, but compare to the prices for this part on RockAuto.com, as they are a reputable and supporting vendor on this Forum, and then make a selection.

If, after you have installed the new links and confirmed that your issue is resolved, please add the word "FIXED" or "SOLVED" to your thread's title, to let others who are experiencing a similar issue know that this thread has an identified solution.
 
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Red Rider

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I got the part last night, and started taking the old ones out. that was a pain... much harder than I had anticipated. But part I ordered was different than the one I got on amazon. The spacer was shorter and the bolt longer. I will post pictures when I get a chance.

I am really confused as I have been to many different reputable car part places, including RockAuto, and they seem to have different models that not resemble what I have. I have some kind of specialized nut at the top. Most products I see have a regular nut.

I typically don't like ordering from amazon; they seem to fail to understand that their stupid algorithms for trying to distract you into buying other car parts that are simply named the same... does not work. But all of these vendors need to modernize. Providing dimensions, and proper photographs would go a long way to ensure that you are ordering the correct part.
 

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I got the part last night, and started taking the old ones out. that was a pain... much harder than I had anticipated. But part I ordered was different than the one I got on amazon. The spacer was shorter and the bolt longer. I will post pictures when I get a chance.

I am really confused as I have been to many different reputable car part places, including RockAuto, and they seem to have different models that not resemble what I have. I have some kind of specialized nut at the top. Most products I see have a regular nut.

I typically don't like ordering from amazon; they seem to fail to understand that their stupid algorithms for trying to distract you into buying other car parts that are simply named the same... does not work. But all of these vendors need to modernize. Providing dimensions, and proper photographs would go a long way to ensure that you are ordering the correct part.
those say they fit, there is a correct process to doing the front end links, and a different process for doing the rear.
for the front, jack the vehicle up so both front wheels are off of the ground. this releases the pressure on the sway bar.
loosen one side so it is almost all the way off, then go to the other side and remove the old one and put the new one on, "loose".
then go back to the other side and finish removing the old one and install the new one to spec and then go back and tighten the other to spec.
doing it that way you do not have any pressure on the sway bar and your not stuck trying to hold the full weight of it up to get bolts/nuts on.
If you go to do the rear the process is the same but with wheels on the ground or back it up on ramps so you have room to get under it.
front pressure is released with wheels off the ground.
rear pressure is released with wheels on the ground.
 
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Red Rider

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Thanks. I took both sides apart and the sway bar just hangs there. I may take it off to give a good coat of paint on the frame before reinstalling. For now I am waiting for the new sway bar.
 

Joseph Garcia

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Thanks. I took both sides apart and the sway bar just hangs there. I may take it off to give a good coat of paint on the frame before reinstalling. For now I am waiting for the new sway bar.
What are you replacing the orignal sway bar with?
 
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Red Rider

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Here is the original part I ordered and the one off my truck.
 

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