Stupid Pontiac :( !! CV Axle Problems??

[eastcoastcam]

My '03 Grand Prix has started making a noise like something is rubbing the tires, at least that is how it started out... Now it is louder and kind of feels like it it vibrating. And driving me nuts. I don't think it is the wheel bearing as I have never heard such a noise from wheel bearings on anything. It goes away when turning left, even slightly in a bend in the road. Also seems to reduce when the suspension unloads over bumps. I think one (or both) of the CV joints in the drivers side axle are shot. My reasoning here is that in the turning left relieves some of the weight on the the driver's side axle making it quiet down until it straightens out.

Am I on the right track here?

Also in looking at a new axle, on the side that goes into the transmission is a groove. Is that for a C-clip to hold it in like my Jeep rear axle? How do I get in there to get it out?

 

[Slick2500]

Possibly.
Yes there is a c clip on the cv axle that holds it in, to remove the axle push the axle into the trans to relieve the pressure on the clip and then use a prybar to pop it out.

 

[eastcoastcam]

Do you have to open up the transmission to get at it? I have to open the diff on the Jeep to remove the axles. I have never had the pleasure of pulling an axle out of the GP, or any FWD car for that matter.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Nope, just a quick pop and axles come out.

Normally you put a pry bar behind it and one good pop will get it out.

 

[eastcoastcam]

Turns out it was just the bearing/hub assembly. Stupid me took the one I busted the studs off for scrap last weekend with the rest of my junk pile... oh well... Back to the parts store , lol!