Weird noise coming from driver side, Somewhere between differential and wheel Options

[Delta_Phoenix]

OK so the Celica has been making a weird noise for a couple months now. It started out with a popping noise whenever I got on it, or whenever I completely let off the gas while in gear. It's gotten worse since and now it pops constantly whenever I get on it, and I also hear a grinding/gurgling noise after driving for a long period of time. I've jacked the car up and let it run to see if it will still make these noises if there's no load on the front wheels. I went through all 5 gears, and never heard anything abnormal. The driver side axle wasn't making fluid movements though. The entire axle shaft was shifting up and down a little bit. I checked the other axle to see if it was a normal thing, and it was staying straight.

So far I've noticed that if I'm turning to the left and taking load off the driver side, the noise doesn't happen. It always happens when going straight, and sometimes is more pronounced if turning right.

I took it to my buddy, who is ASE certified and has quite a few years of experience, to get a diagnosis. He checked the tranny fluid, looked around for signs of rubbing/grinding, and eventually he came up with the idea that my differential is going out in the tranny. I'm not saying I don't trust him, but I've never heard a tranny make this sort of noise.

I've also checked the wheel bearings and ball joints, they're fine. Also checked the tranny mount, it's got some wear but nothing big.

Personally, I think something is wrong with my CV joints. The popping noise I hear sounds typical of a faulty CV joint, but the grinding and gurgling I hear is something new to me.

Any opinions or a possible diagnosis?

[Snarfer]

Ya sounds like the CV joint, look at the inner and outer boots to see if they are cracked. You'll need to get a new one, and the drivers side is the biggest pain to get out.

[jAzn95GT]

Yep, i would agree with snarfer. it must be the CV joint. Mine CV boot is torned from the passenger side and it makes noises while turning. I was thinking about replacing it but i was waiting till my driver side CV axle is wearing down too. Because i don't want to have to replace one now and then later having to replace the other. It'll save me time...but hopefully i'll be safe with it for a while... jAzn95GT

[Delta_Phoenix]

I've checked the boots for signs of cracking or any grease leaking out. Everything seems to be in working order, and the axles are fairly new. I replaced both of them around Feb. 2004. Do you think the CV joints could have been faulty when I bought the axle?

As for the driver side being the bigger pain, I'll have to disagree on that I got it out by myself. It took me and 2 other guys to jerk the passenger axle out with a rope.

[BigEdge169]

My CV joints seemed to go out fast too, especially the drivers side. The shop I took my car to said that it was because my car is lowered and it is putting the CV joint under extra pressure (especially on the drivers side because it is shorter). This might be something else to look into.

Has anyone else with a lowered car experienced this problem??

[Delta_Phoenix]

I haven't done any suspension modifications to my car at all. I'm thinking the CV joint was faulty when I bought the axle. Guess I'll replace it and hope the noises stop.

[97GTinKC]

I've checked the boots for signs of cracking or any grease leaking out. Everything seems to be in working order, and the axles are fairly new. I replaced both of them around Feb. 2004. Do you think the CV joints could have been faulty when I bought the axle?

Most likely the CV is bad if it was a rebuilt axle assembly, I had to change one 3 times in 18 months, finally made them get me a NEW assembly and take the rebuilt back, no more troubles since.