Clink noise from rear diff input flange area

[Mad Cow]

I get a sharp, metallic clink noise from under my car when starting moving from a standstill, forward and reverse. At first I thought it was play in the rear diff, but I took a quick look today and it seems to be coming from the joint between the driveshaft and rear diff. I couldn't get a good look because of the heatshield but I was able to grab the joint and turn it a bit, there was a play in the joint and I felt the clink through my hand when I turned it all the way one way. I searched around the forums a bit and didn't find anything conclusive, just people saying it could be the diff or driveshaft. Is it a common thing for the rear driveshaft joint to go bad? And is it replaceable without specialized tools or will I have to take it to someone who rebuilds them? Or could the problem be inside the diff snout and not the joint?

[Mad Cow]

So the joint is sold separately, GKN 893521100. I can't see anything else in that vicinity making that noise, so I'm gonna assume it's the cv joint. My question now is, where can you buy a boot for it? I see Advanced Automotion sells then but they're out of stock and don't list a part number.

[NewHere12]

If you are looking for a CV boot and the kit as a whole, obviously the dealership could sell it to you. I don't think it is actually that expensive. I recently bought one for my front ripped CV boot and although I lost my receipt, I don't think I paid over $40 for it. It came with a new axle bolt, a couple fasteners and a few small pieces of hardware. My CV joint wasn't clicking, the boot was just ripped.

Cleaning the joint and the ball bearings inside it is a pain. If your bearings are damaged, I am not sure that replacing the boot will fix the noise - in which case I would just get a new axle for raxles (if you can ship to states) and do it that way. Costs more but saves you a lot of mess and trouble.

[Mad Cow]

I'm talking about the driveshaft cv joint, not the axle. Neither the joint nor the boot is listed in ETKA, I found a part number for the joint but nothing for the boot.

[NewHere12]

I see, misinterpreted your message. I would still email a dealership for the part # and pretend you want to buy it and get a base price. The dealership in Oakville is pretty good for this and the one that I use - a bit out of your way though.

[Mad Cow]

Ehh, if it's not in ETKA there's no point in calling. Regardless, the boot is now back in stock so I'll just order one.