Hey all, I just recently picked up a '96 A4 2.8 V6. Although the car has been treating me well, the problem is that while driving it around, the C.V boot's on each side make a tremendously loud clunking noise when the steering wheel is turned all the way to left/right. Doesn't make much noise when you slightly turn the steering wheel to the left/right.

Filled the car with some power steering fluid (as the fluid reservoir showed that there wasn't enough power steering fluid) , which did quiet down the clunking noise a bit, but as soon as I would start driving it, the noise came back again.

Question is, Would it be safe to buy a full replacement transaxle on both sides or should I just buy the C.V boot's for both sides and call it a day? The C.V boot's on each side are ripped.

Any advice/opinions would help a lot. - Mirza

 

Well, CV boots do not make noise, but CV joints can. Torn CV boots can let water and dirt into the CV joints and cause damage to the joints. Filling the power steering reservoir does not affect the CV joints, but may keep the power steering system quiet if the level was too low. It is easier to replace the entire axle shafts than replacing the boots. However, axles from the dealership can be quite pricey, but aftermarket units can be had for under $ 100, try EMPi or Cardone.

 

Thanks Pete! Yeah, that's what I had in mind; just to replace the axles and call it a job well done. I do have some pictures to show just how the C.V boots look like at the moment. I will keep in mind those aftermarket units that you suggested and I will probably order the replacement axles later on this week for each side. Thank you once again!

Pictures:
Front Passenger Side C.V Boot


Front Driver's Side C.V Boot

 

The other thing I forgot to mention, is that once a CV joint is making noise, the joint itselsf has been damaged, and just putting on a new boot is not going to fix the problem.

 

Yeah, I understand what you're trying to say, nonetheless, I replaced both of the front axles yesterday; no more noise.