Laser KF CV joints & Engine mounts

riverrat321 · 03-03-2006, 03:30 AM

Hi guys. I recently purchased an auto KF Laser with 318,000 k's for my girlfriend. Its got 7 mths rego and I payed $1,380. It has the folloeing problems though that I need to fix.

CV joints are worn - heavy clicking when wheel turned hard.

Engine Mounts need replacing - Heavy vibration when in gear at ideling speeds. If I give it a little gas at ideling speeds the vibration goes away. I was nearly going to bump up the idle speed as a temporary fix.

My question is can I fix these conditions myself? I have an engine lifter and am semi mechanically minded. I work on boats a little but not really cars so i'm new to this.

I work night shift and sleep through the day so I haven't had a chance to speak to a mechanic.

Any Idea what it will cost to fix these conditions?

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks...

PS... Could this be done with second hand parts???

tufLTD · 03-03-2006, 04:42 AM

I would avoid second-hand parts. They will probably be nearly as bad as the ones you're replacing.
The easiest way to fix the CV joints is to fit 2 complete drive-shafts. Not too hard to do if you're mechanically minded. Complete shafts sell for about $180 each.
Engine mounts are relatively easy to do as well. Buy rubber mounts, not urethane. You may only need to replace one of the mounts, rather than all. Check to see if any are split or sagged & just replace that one.

VippiN · 03-03-2006, 09:11 AM

tufLTD knows the score.

Repco will have the parts you need. With CVs and mounts, don't bother with second hand. Do the job right the first time and you won't have to redo them in six months. I reckon from the idling vibration it's the front mount (under the radiator area) that needs replacing. Have a quick look see.

Also that's a bargain for an auto KF, even with those Ks.

bjr22n_ · 03-03-2006, 10:46 AM

i'll third this motion.
i'd pay extra $$$ to buy new parts, knowing they will last longer.

riverrat321 · 04-03-2006, 02:49 AM

Thanks for the help guys. It doesen't sound as bad as I thought. I spoke to a guy with a lancer who said it cost $1000 to do his cv joints. Had me very worried. I've just gotta stay awake one day and get some prices. I've ordered a user manual from the Library so hopefully that will tell me all I need.

Apart from that and the air con that doesen't work, the car drives well. Thanks heaps for the help.

someon3 · 16-11-2007, 04:48 PM

I know this thread is old.

However, i have a question i need to ask. Input will be greatly appreciated.

I've got an 1.6L 1990 Laser KF(???) 5 door, sedan(or hatch, when i open the boot, the rear windscreen also got lift up, don't really know if it is hatch or sedan). When I'm turning it makes thick clicking noise.... I bought the car in a smasher repairer for inspection (minor collision) and he told me it's the CV joints need replaced.

He told me they could be recondition.... Would some one please fill me in here, is it worth it having them recondition? how much would that set me back and how long would they last me?

And yes similar to the first post, my car also vibrate moderately when idle, it goes away when accelarate... Is it important(safety wise) to have the engine mounts look at/taken care of too? I'm planning to bring the car to a mechanic for major service from the money i got from insurance. Might as well service them good to drive for another year or 2.

Cheers