How to tell the difference between bad CV shaft or wheel balance?

[dmahlikGT]

From 60 mph on up especially at 80, car gets this bad shaking. When cruising on highway its like every 3 seconds I feel it vibrate harder then calms then again 3 sec later in a pattern the whole time. Now my driver side CV boot is torn and has been for a bit and im wondering if thats the cause or do I just need a balance since I notice on 3 of my wheels there a weights missing but idk. Im taking a 3+ hr trip tom so just want to know what it could be out of those 2 so I can have a smooth ride.

 

[Bio248]

move the wheel to a different side/spot and feel for it.

however, a torn boot is bad news bears all around.

 

[genki]

Cheaper to get the wheel balanced. Go to a tire service if you don't have your own balancing machine and have them do balance and rotate tires. If it still vibrates, replace the shaft. You'd need to replace the shaft eventually because contaminant gets in and eventually ruins the parts. You'll know it's about gone when it makes loud clicking noise while driving.

 

[dmahlikGT]

Yea i have no noise just bad high speed shake/vibrate. Plus need an alignment lol.

 

[Bio248]

....you "need" an alignment and you're talking about vibration? c'mon, man....

 

[REDCRAPGP]

 

[indygrandprix]

Balance the wheel because it obviously needs it if the weights are missing. Your CV also should be replaced if the boot is torn. You could just replace the boot but depending on how many miles are on your car you may as well just replace the CV axle. If you do replace the axle get if from Napa. Everyone elses are too short and the boots have less ribs which makes them wear out and tear sooner.

 

[dmahlikGT]

Just an update,turns out i just needed my wheels rebalanced along with alignment took a run up to 100mph and not a single jiggle or shake. Rides like butta.