When the boot rips, the grease migrates away from the bearing housing and the CV joint begins to click when the wheel is turned hard, what is making the noise? Is it binding the bearing and then shredding a piece of metal and releasing, is the driveshaft end gear skipping? What metal part is being ground, fatigued and destroyed?

Will cleaning and relubing the housing prevent the noise even on full turn of the steering wheel, stop it from getting worse (the noise happens with less and less steering turn) or is it shot no matter what I do?

Graham,
Doesn't want to buy new halfshafts if he doesn't have to

 

I would assume it's the bearings. Head to a local junkyard and grab the part that holds all the bearings together(including the bearings themselves). Its relatively small so you should be able to fit it in your pocket

 

Look into replacing the whole shaft. I bought a set for an old car that I had and it was only a 15 difference. Normally the noise you hear is the binding of the bearing in the housing. Cleaning them wont do you any good as the are worn beyond repair.

 

I too am having problems with the passenger-side CV joint. The boot is ripped all the way around and that awful clicking is heard. I've been looking around for a cheap half-shaft (remaned?)....anyone know of any on-line places or any where else I can get a passenger-side halfshaft for a 92 lx? Thnx.

 

Best I've found is Autozone. $60 per side. I also found a wholesale place in Texas that would do them for $25...+50 small order fee + shipping + no lifetime warrantee like autozone.

I've found alot of scammers around town who want like 100-120 for just one shaft.

So If I do it myself, it's $120...which isn't bad, but you gotta wish I had paid attention and just replaced the boots when they went bad.

Live and learn and pay up sucker.